Understanding the GDM Etiology and Its Complications on Mother and Child

Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a growing public health concern, with adverse effects on both maternal and child health, necessitating early detection and intervention to mitigate complications. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the etiology of GDM and its maternal and neonatal complications, examining physiological, genetic, and environmental factors contributing to its onset and progression in a Qatari cohort. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Primary Health Care Corporation in Doha, Qatar, analyzing medical records of 132 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM from January 2024 to January 2025. Data included maternal demographics, biochemical markers, neonatal outcomes, and postpartum metabolic profiles. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.26, with a significance level set at p<0.05. Mean, standard deviation (SD), and p-values were calculated for major variables. Results: Among 132 participants, 68.2% had a BMI >30 kg/m², with a mean fasting plasma glucose of 5.6±0.8 mmol/L. The mean HbA1c level was 6.1±0.5%, significantly higher than non-GDM pregnancies (p=0.002). Neonatal complications included macrosomia (22.7%), hypoglycemia (18.9%), and respiratory distress (12.1%). The cesarean delivery rate was 45.5%, significantly higher than in non-GDM pregnancies (p=0.008). Postpartum diabetes risk increased, with 32.6% developing impaired glucose tolerance and 18.2% progressing to T2DM (p=0.001). Maternal hypertensive disorders were prevalent in 25.8%, correlating significantly with hyperglycemia levels (p=0.004). Conclusion: GDM is strongly associated with increased maternal obesity, impaired glucose metabolism, and adverse neonatal outcomes. Early screening and management strategies are crucial to reducing long-term metabolic risks for both mother and child.