Demographical Variation of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus at a Tertiary Care Center

Abstract

Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) poses significant health challenge globally, impacting maternal and fetal well-being during pregnancy.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine demographical variations of gestational diabetes mellitus observed at a tertiary care center.

Methodology: This cross sectional research using non-probability convenient sampling was carried out at Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Memon Medical Institute Hospital for six months. After ethical approval, pregnant females visiting GYOB out-patient department of MMI and diagnosed with GDM between 20-45 years and during 16 to 36 weeks of gestation were included. Pregnant females with any known chronic illness and refusal for participation were excluded. Sample size was calculated using open epi online software. For data analysis, SPSS version 23.0 was used. Demographical variations were observed by applying chi-square test keeping p-value of <0.05 as statistically significant.

Results: Majority of participants were 31-35 years old and between 23-37.5 kg/m2. GDM was reported higher in third trimester (77) as compared to first and second (52 and 56,). GDM was higher in educated and upper socio-economic class females. Family history of GDM was strongly observed along with hypertension and <24 months interval between pregnancies. A significant difference was observed between GDM in different trimesters (p-0.04), smoking status (p-0.04), socio-economic status (p<0.01), education (p<0.01, hypertension (p-0.03) and time interval between pregnancies (p-0.04).

Conclusion: Demographic factors such as age, BMI, family history of GDM, parity, gravity, and time interval between pregnancies played significant roles in the occurrence of GDM in this study.