Clinical epidemiology of gestational diabetes in Kuwait

To study the clinical and epidemiological features of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM] in Kuwait. The objectives of this study were to describe personal and clinical characteristics, prevalence of major risk factors for GDM, and the main causes and frequency of hospital admission required in these patients. Patients and A prospective descriptive study of 76 patients, who fulfilled the standard diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes, was conducted at Farwania hospital in Kuwait. On an average, expatriates were younger than Kuwaiti patients [median age 32, mean 33.5 +/- 5.2 years versus median 34, mean 33.3 +/- 6.1]. Overall, 55% were in the younger age group. Younger age group was significantly associated with the presence of GDM as compared to the older group [94% versus 6%]. Predominant clinical features for GDM patients included positive family history of diabetes [62%], past history of GDM in previous pregnancies [49%], obesity [49%], abortions [40%], glucosuria [38%], and macro s o m i a [30%]. Features of hospital morbidity showed that 72% required admissions during the current pregnancy, at least once [78%]. 86% required admission for control of blood sugar levels whereas 13% were admitted for checking their blood sugar profile. Normoglycemia was achieved using insulin therapy in most of the patients [51%]. This study showed that GDM is associated with younger age group, and is predominant among those with family history of diabetes, past history of GDM in previous pregnancies, and obesity. Such cases need to be treated properly to prevent or minimize complications