Publication

Abstract : Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition resulting from abnormal glucose metabolism during pregnancy which may adversely affect maternal and fetal health.Methodology: To analyse incidence, risk factors and maternal and fetal outcome in women with GDM in a tertiary care centre. This is a prospective study recruiting 50 patients diagnosed with GDM and followed, till 2 weeks after delivery. Association of various risk factors with fetal and maternal complications was analysed.Results: Incidence of GDM was observed to be 19.2%. Thirty three (66%) of these women were observed to have at least one risk factor. Polyhydramnios and urinary tract infection was more common in women age > 30 years (p value < 0.01); premature delivery in women with high BMI (p value < 0.05); hypoglycaemia in women with bad ostetric history (p value < 0.01); polyhydramnios and hyperbilirubinaemia in women with glycosuria (p value <0.01). Family history of DM was not associated with statistically significant risk for development of complications. While analysing complications in women with or without at least one risk factor, incidence of neonatal hypoglycaemia was significantly higher in women with risk factor(s).Conclusion: Dietary counselling, life style modification and appropriate timely institution of pharmacological therapy are critical to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with GDM. © 2017, Indian Academy of Clinical Medicine. All rights reserved.