A STUDY OF SCREENING OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS IT’S RISK FACTOR, PERINATAL OUTCOME AND MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a transient form of glucose intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. It constitutes a major and growing public health concern worldwide, with a global prevalence ranging from 2% to 6%, and up to 20% in high-risk populations. Women diagnosed with GDM have an increased risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes; therefore, early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential to improve fetomaternal health.
Objective: To assess the prevalence, risk factors, and fetomaternal outcomes associated with gestational diabetes mellitus.
Materials and Methods: A prospective hospital-based study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Shri Balaji Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chhattisgarh. A 75-g oral glucose load was administered irrespective of meal status, and plasma glucose estimation was performed after 2 hours. GDM was diagnosed when the 2-hour plasma glucose level exceeded 140 mg/dL, as per DIPSI criteria. All women diagnosed with GDM were followed and managed using dietary modification and/or insulin therapy until delivery. Maternal and fetal risk factors and outcomes were recorded.
Results: The prevalence of GDM in the study population was 8%. A significant proportion of women with GDM had a prior history of delivering a large baby, stillbirth, or spontaneous abortion. Maternal complications included pregnancy-induced hypertension (41.7%) and polyhydramnios (33.3%), while 61.7% underwent caesarean section. Preterm labour occurred in 8.3% of cases. No complications were noted in 11.7% of women. Among newborns, 21.7% had a birth weight >3.5 kg, and 16.7% weighed <2.5 kg.
Conclusion: Women with GDM are at increased risk of obstetric and fetal complications. The DIPSI single-step testing method is a simple and cost-effective approach for screening and diagnosing GDM, enabling timely management to reduce adverse outcomes.