Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in a Medical College in South India: A Pilot Study.

ABSTRACT

Background: The prevalence of diabetes is increasing in India with projected rates of 79.4 million in 2030 — a 15.1% increase from 31.7 million in 2000. The increased prevalence is attributed to the aging population structure, urbanization, the obesity epidemic and physical inactivity. Though prevalence of diabetes is alarmingly high among Indians, there have been very few studies assessing the effect of diabetes on pregnancy outcomes. Diabetes in pregnancy causes maternal and neonatal complications like stillbirth, hydramnios, etc. Among ethnic groups in South Asian countries, Indian women especially south Indians have the highest frequency of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) necessitating universal screening. The recognition of glucose intolerance during pregnancy is more relevant as Indian women have 11-fold increased risk of developing GDM compared to other places. Aims and objectives: To find the prevalence of GDM in Kollam and to find the relation of GDM with various risk factors like age, obesity, previous large baby, abortion, previous abnormal glucose tolerance test (GTT), complications in previous pregnancy like hydramnios, bleeding, etc. Study design: A retrospective study of prevalence and possible risk factors associated with gestational diabetes was undertaken on 71 mothers between the age group of 20 and 35 years who were screened. Setting: Details on the medical history, family history of diabetes and obstetric history were collected using a performa. All the study subjects underwent a complete physical examination and biochemical assessment was done. Results and conclusion: This study on prevalence of GDM in Kollam district showed that the prevalence of GDM was 17%. It was found out that the factors such as increased age of pregnant women, overweight and obesity, lack of exercise and diet control, GDM in first-degree relatives, previous abnormal GTT predispose to GDM. Also women with previous large weight babies (macrosomia), previous loss of pregnancy, GDM in previous pregnancy, complications in previous pregnancy like hydramnios, bleeding, etc. have increased chances of getting GDM.