Assessment of Blood Sugar Awareness Among Pregnant Women

Aim: The global incidence of gestational diabetes is increasing, especially in Southeast Asia, posing risks to both current and future generations. This study aims to assess the awareness and understanding of gestational diabetes (GDM) among pregnant women receiving prenatal care at a tertiary hospital in the region of Burdwan Medical Hospital, West Bengal. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving a total of 100 pregnant women at the outpatient department of obstetrics from October 2023 to July 2024.  Individuals aged more than 20 years in the study area who were willing to participate in the study were enrolled. A pre-validated and pre-defined questionnaire was utilised to assess the knowledge level and awareness about diabetes. Based on their knowledge levels, women were divided into a control group, which did not know about diabetes, and an experimental group consisting of women who had basic knowledge about diabetes. The prevalence of GDM was also measured in both groups to identify whether knowledge had any impact on the prevalence of GDM. Result: The age of the women ranged from 21 to 35 years, with a mean age of 27.53 ± 2.42 years and a median age of 27 years. The mean BMI level was 28.07 ± 4.11 kg/m2. The mean blood sugar levels at diagnosis ranged from 88 to 250 mg/dL, with a mean of 201.36 ± 38.67 mg/dL and a median of 190 mg/dL. The majority of the women, that is, 57.6%, had average knowledge about GDM, while 21.8% had good knowledge, 1.6% had excellent knowledge, and 19% had poor knowledge. The mean knowledge score was 6.51 ± 3.41. The mean percentage of the knowledge was 36.14% ± 18.94%. A statistically significant association was noted between knowledge about GDM and maternal age, educational status, religion, and occupation (P < 0.050), but the GDM knowledge was independent of that found between place of residence (P = 0.715). Conclusion: The assessment of blood sugar awareness among pregnant women is crucial for identifying knowledge gaps and promoting healthy behaviours to manage gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Here are some potential conclusions based on such an assessment: Key Findings Limited Knowledge: Many pregnant women may have a limited understanding of blood sugar levels, GDM, and its implications on pregnancy. Misconceptions: Some women may hold misconceptions about diet, exercise, and blood sugar management during pregnancy. Importance of Education: Educational interventions can significantly improve blood sugar awareness and management among pregnant women.