Frequency and Risk of Preeclampsia in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Preeclampsia is a serious hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that affects 5-8% of pregnancies and is a major cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Gestational diabetes mellitus is another significant pregnancy complication that increases the risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, including preeclampsia. Objectives: To determine the frequency and assess the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus as an independent risk factor. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from October 2020 to April 2021 within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Teaching Institution-Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar and included patients having regular monitoring for blood pressure using a mercury sphygmomanometer and proteinuria by urine dipstick. Results: A total of 133 pregnant women were diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus in the study. Of these, 10 women (7.5%) developed preeclampsia, indicating a significant association between gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia. Participants were aged between 18 and 45 years, with the majority (75%) falling within the 18-30-year age group. Results showed that gestational diabetes mellitus was associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia, particularly in this younger age group. Conclusions: It was concluded that gestational diabetes mellitus is associated with a higher risk of preeclampsia and requires intensive clinical follow-up and intervention measures for maternal and fetal health protection.