Assessment of Biochemical and Community Factors Associated With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus among Pregnant Women

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus is an uncomplicated metabolic condition of pregnancy, which can have a detrimental effect on maternal and fetal outcome if not diagnosed and treated on time. Biochemical factors and community factors like diet, physical activity, utilization of antenatal care and awareness of the disease affect its development.

Objective: To determine the biochemical and community determinants of gestational diabetes mellitus among pregnant women attending Women and Children Hospital, Dera Ismail Khan.

Methods: The descriptive cross sectional study was done at Women and Children Hospital, Dera Ismail Khan from January 2025 to June 2025. The total number of pregnant women that were included in the study were 75; which were obtained through non-probability consecutive sampling. The data collected includes demographic data, obstetric data, clinical data, biochemical data and community data, which was taken with a structured proforma. Biochemical parameters measured were fasting blood glucose, random blood glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, hemoglobin and vitamin D level. Community factors consisted of physical activity, dietary pattern, antenatal care visits, awareness of gestational diabetes mellitus and health care. The data were analysed with SPSS software. Frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations were computed. Where applicable the Chi-square test and independent sample t-test were used, and a p value of less than 0.05 was deemed to be statistically significant.

Results: Out of 75 pregnant women, 24 (32.0%) were diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus, while 51 (68.0%) had normal glucose tolerance. Women with GDM had higher fasting blood glucose, random blood glucose, HbA1c, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels compared with non-GDM women. Vitamin D level and HDL cholesterol were lower among women with GDM. Important associated factors included overweight/obesity, family history of diabetes, previous history of GDM, raised triglycerides, vitamin D deficiency, low physical activity, high carbohydrate diet, frequent sugary food intake, poor awareness, and irregular antenatal visits.

Conclusion: Gestational diabetes mellitus was common among pregnant women in this study. Both biochemical abnormalities and community-related factors were associated with GDM. Early screening, regular antenatal visits, dietary counseling, safe physical activity, and community awareness programs may help reduce the risk and complications of gestational diabetes mellitus.