ABSTRACT
Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common medical problem that results from an increased severityof insulin resistance as well as impairment of the compensatory increase in insulin secretion. GDM has profound effects onfetomaternal outcome.Aims and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the impact of GDM on pregnancy and fetal outcome.Materials and Methods: The present study was a prospective observational study. The screening was done by glucosechallenge test and 3 h, 100 g glucose tolerance test. The study population was divided into two groups, cases and controls. Allthe patients were followed up for maternal complications, fetal complications, mode of delivery, and neonatal complications.Results: A total of 350 randomly selected pregnant females who met the inclusion criteria were subjected to oral glucosechallenge test. Of 350 women, 22 women were found to have GDM and were compared with non-GDM patients. GDM patientshad significantly higher percentage of pregnancy-induced hypertension (13.6% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.031), polyhydramnios (22.7%vs. 4.3%, P = 0.004), urinary tract infection (40.9% vs. 14.5%, P = 0.003), and excess weight gain (36.4% vs. 6.3%, P = 0.001).GDM patients had higher cesarean deliveries in 13 (59.1%) and assisted vaginal deliveries in 2 (9.1%) as compared to non-GDM(110 [36.3%] and 6 [2%], P = 0.006, respectively). Among the fetal outcome, GDM patients had higher macrosomia (31.8%vs. 8.3% in non-GDM group [P = 0.003]), neonatal convulsions (18.2% vs. 2.3% in non-GDM group [P = 0.003]), respiratorydistress (22.7% vs. 3.3% [P = 0.002]), and neonatal intensive care unit admission (72.7% vs. 12.9% [P = 0.001]).Conclusion: GDM is associated with both maternal and fetal complications, most notably macrosomia leading to increasedcesarean section rate and instrumental deliveries.