Outcomes of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Pakistani Mothers: An Experience of a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To assess the incidence and outcome of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during pregnancy among sample
of Pakistani population.
Study Design and Setting: This was an analytic case-control prospective study carried out at two centers (CMH Kharian
and PNS Shifa Hospital Karachi) from 1st Jan till 30th July 2021.
Methodology Previously healthy mothers were divided into three groups according to their risk of elevated glucose levels
gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during pregnancy. Associations between GDM eminence (exposure variable) and
pregnancy-related, fetal, and neonatal outcomes were reviewed (i.e., mode of delivery, preterm baby, pregnancy-induced
hypertension, and fetal macrosomia, stillbirth, premature delivery etc. One way ANOVA was employed to compare the
significant differences in different dependent variables amongst three groups. P Values of <0.05 were considered substantial.
Results: A total of 120 patients were divided into 3 groups Group 1 (uncontrolled sugar group) who could not achieve
adequate sugar control, Group II (adequate sugar control group) and Group III as control group (Non-Diabetic). The mean
age in our population was 24 (+ 4.15) years most of study population 70% of mothers were under 25 years of age. The
majority (95%) of deliveries in the control group (Euglycemic) were uneventful, but poor fetal outcomes were noted in
groups 1 2 (documented to have elevated blood sugars,) especially in the group with Uncontrolled Sugar. GDM was
positively associated with preterm birth, stillbirth and macrosomia.
Conclusion: GDM is a prevalent disease in Pakistan and needs and has association with poor pregnancy outcomes. Urgent
attention requires at individual and state level to reduce morbidity and mortality.