Gestational Diabetes Management and Risk Factors

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a metabolic condition characterized by glucose intolerance during mid to late stages of pregnancy, resulting in several complications associated with maternal and neonatal health. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of GDM and identify its associated risk factors and adverse outcomes among pregnant women. Patients and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted involving 380 pregnant women in their second or third trimester. Those women were screened for GDM using a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between 24 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. Patients’ information was collected using designed questionnaires, medical records, laboratory findings, and post-delivery outcomes. Statistical analysis included chi-square tests and odds ratio estimation with a significant level of p 0.05. Results: GDM was diagnosed in 57 women (prevalence of 15%). Several risk factors associated with GDM were identified, advanced maternal age (p 0.001), physical inactivity (OR = 5.92, p 0.001), family history of GDM (OR = 12.10, p 0.001), personal history of GDM (OR = 2.30, p = 0.017), and history of preeclampsia (OR = 4.70, p 0.001). GDM was also found to be associated with higher rates of shoulder dystocia (OR = 5.98, p 0.001), preterm delivery (p 0.001), neonatal hypoglycemia (OR = 2.25, p = 0.035), and increased neonatal birthweight (p = 0.002). Conclusion: A significant prevalence of GDM was identified and a substantial correlation with both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors was observed. These findings underscore the necessity of early GDM screening, lifestyle modifications, and thorough prenatal disease management to mitigate GDM-related complications and improve pregnancy outcomes.