Maternal and fetal outcomes of gestational diabetes in Bangladesh: a cohort analysis

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a significant public health concern, affecting a growing number of pregnancies worldwide. It is associated with increased risks of maternal and neonatal complications, impacting both short- and long-term health outcomes. This study explores the maternal and fetal outcomes of GDM in a Bangladeshi cohort. Methods: This cohort study was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January, 2018 to December, 2020to evaluate maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) at a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. A total of 100 pregnant women participated, with 50 women in the GDM group and 50 women in the non-GDM group. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. A p value of less than 0.05 is considered statistically significant. Results: This study highlights significant maternal and neonatal risks associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Bangladesh. Hypertensive disorders (56% vs. 20%), caesarean delivery (70% vs. 36%) and preterm labor (40% vs. 14%) were notably higher in the GDM group. Neonatal complications included increased preterm births (40% vs. 14%), low birth weight (20% vs. 6%), macrosomia (16% vs. 4%), NICU admissions (36% vs. 12%) and congenital heart defects (12% vs. 4%). Conclusions: This study on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Bangladesh reveals significant maternal and fetal complications associated with the condition. GDM was linked to increased rates of hypertensive disorders, caesarean delivery and postpartum hemorrhage. Neonates of mothers with GDM experienced higher incidences of preterm birth, macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycemia and NICU admissions, indicating the substantial impact of GDM on perinatal outcomes.