Role of Sociodemographic Characteristics, Obstetric History, and BMI in the Development of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)

Introduction with Objective: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common medical complications of pregnancy affecting both mother and fetus and is responsible for several adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of sociodemographic factor, obstetric factor and BMI in the development of GDM. Materials and Methods: In this case control study, 50 pregnant women with GDM (case group) and 50 normal pregnant women (control group) were selected from Obstetrics & Gynecology outpatient department of Chittagong Medical College Hospital by purposive sampling technique. Results: The study compared sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics, along with body mass index (BMI), between women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and normal pregnant women. Among the sociodemographic variables, mean age was significantly higher in women with GDM, whereas no significant differences were observed in educational level, median monthly family income, or residential status between the two groups. Regarding obstetric characteristics, the majority of participants in both groups were multigravida, and the mean gestational age was approximately 27 weeks, showing no statistically significant difference. In terms of BMI, there was no significant difference in mean (±SD) BMI between cases and controls (p = 0.053). However, a large proportion of participants in both groups were classified as overweight, accounting for 80.0% of cases and 72.0% of controls. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that advanced maternal age is significantly associated with gestational diabetes mellitus, while other sociodemographic factors, obstetric characteristics, and body mass index did not show a statistically significant association. Medicine Today 2026, Vol.38 (2): 193-195