Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common metabolic disorders in pregnancy. Identifying risk factors for GDM helps to better understand the disorder and develop appropriate screening Strategies. This study aims to identify risk factors for GDM among pregnant women in rural areas of Hamadan province.

Methods: This was a case-control study. GDMs were  extracted in rural areas of Hamadan province during the year 2011. After removing those who migration out of the province, died cases and those with a history of diabetes deaths, 112 pregnant women with GDM were identified. The control group was selected and necessary matches between the two groups were performed. After referring to their pregnancy files, The checklist were completed. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata software, version 11, an and error level less than 5% was considered.

Results: Most cases were in the age group 30-40 (57.1%), Their mean age was 33.3±0.5 years. 37.5% of cases had experienced third pregnancy. Body Mass Index (P=0.03), history of hypertension before pregnancy (P=0.03) and a history of high-risk pregnancies (P=0.003) had a significant relationship with GDM.

Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, high BMI, history of high-risk pregnancy, history of hypertension before pregnancy had a significant relationship with GDM. Because of the differences in some of the relevant factors for GDM in different locations, prospective studies with larger sample size and standard criteria for the diagnosis of GDM is necessary