Gestational diabetes mellitus, its associated factors, and the pregnancy outcomes among pregnant women attending tertiary care hospitals of Bhubaneswar, India

Abstract

Worldwide, there is an increasing trend in incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) which may result in serious complications for the mother and the fetus. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of GDM and its associated factors among pregnant women attending tertiary care hospitals in Bhubaneswar and assessed the maternal and neonatal complications associated with GDM. This observational study was undertaken during the year 2015–2016 involving 218 eligible pregnant women with estimated gestational age between 24th and 32nd weeks. Venous blood samples were collected for estimation of plasma glucose. According to Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India (DIPSI) criteria, a woman was considered to have GDM if the 2-h plasma glucose value was ≥ 140 mg/dl. The prevalence of gestational diabetes among pregnant women was estimated at 13.8%. Women with increasing age {AOR (adjusted odds ratio): 1.44, 95% CI: 1.23–1.67}, women with higher body mass index (AOR: 3.85, 95% CI: 1.31–11.11), women who had diabetic mother (AOR: 6.27, 95% CI: 1.95–20.15), and women who had gained more weight during pregnancy (AOR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.09–1.56) were at higher risk of developing GDM. The analysis showed that women with GDM were significantly at higher risk of having polyhydramnios (AOR: 5.27, 95% CI: 1.34–20.78), postpartum hemorrhage (AOR: 9.39, 95% CI: 1.09–80.41), and preterm delivery (AOR: 8.52, 95% CI: 1.47–49.21). Early diagnosis and appropriate management of gestational diabetes among pregnant women may have far-reaching repercussions for maternal and child health.