Prevalence and Determinants for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) in Pregnant Females at high risk for GDM in a teritiary care center

ABSTRACT

Background: GDM represents a high risk factor in pregnancy. Prevalence of GDM is increasing globally. Aims & Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus among pregnant females at high risk for GDM attending a tertiary care hospital. Methods: The present study was a prospective Observational study. Pregnant women between 24-28 weeks of gestation irrespective of the age and parity with risk factors like overweight, history of diabetes mellitus in first degree relatives, previous history of macrosomic baby or congenital malformations, history of difficult instrumental deliveries, polyhydramnios were included . Detailed history, physical examination and routine investigations were carried out. The screening was done by Glucose challenge test using 50gms of oral glucose .The women found positive on screening test were subjected to 3 hours, 100gm glucose tolerance test (GTT). Results: A total of 350 randomly selected pregnant females who met the inclusion criteria were included. Out of 350 women, 74 (21.1%) turned out to be positive for screening test. The screening test positive women when subjected to confirmatory test of GDM by oral glucose tolerance test, 22 (6.3%) women were found to have GDM. Factors associated with increased prevalence were increasing age(1.8% vs 5% vs 16% p=0.001 in age groups <25 , 25-29 and > 30 years respectively) , parity (10.6% vs 4.2% p=0.03 more than two children and less than or equal to two children respectively) , obesity(25% vs 2.6% p<0.05 Obese vs non obese ), those with history of previous abortion(5.2% vs 10.7% vs 25% p=0.013 ,no abortion, one abortion ,two or more abortion respectively), those with history of GDM in previous pregnancy( 57.1% vs 5.2 % p=0.001) and those with history of diabetes mellitus in first degree relatives(37.5 vs 5.6% p=0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of GDM was 6.3%. GDM was found more commonly in those with higher age, parity, women with history of abortions during previous pregnancy, obese, those with history of GDM in previous pregnancy and those with history of diabetes mellitus in first degree relatives. Screening should be offered to all pregnant women especially women with risk factors.