Prevalence andRisk Factors ofGestational Diabetes Mellitus Among Pregnant Women

Abstract

Background: Pregnant  women  worldwide  are  impacted  by  gestational  diabetes  mellitus,  a serious  public  health  issue.  macrosomia,  pre-eclampsia,  and  a  higher  chance  of  type  2 diabetes.One  of  the  detrimental  effects  it  is  associated  with  in  both  mothers  and  fetuses  is diabetes.  Understanding  the  prevalence  and  related  risk  factors  is  crucial  for  early  diagnosis and treatment.Objective: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of GDM among pregnant women and identify key risk factors contributing to its development.Methodology: Over  the  course  of  four  months,  this  cross-sectional  study  was  conducted  at Ghurki Hospital in Lahore. A glucose challenge test (GCT) was used to screen 100 pregnant women  in  total,  and  those  with  abnormal  results  were  then screened  using  an  OGTT.  SPSS software was used to gather and analyze data on lifestyle, clinical, and demographic factors.Results: Of the study participants, 56% had GDM. Obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2), hypertension, a  history  of  prior  GDM,  and  advanced  maternal  age  (>35  years)  were  identified  as  key  risk factors.  Women  with  GDM  were  more  likely  to  experience  maternal  complications  like preeclampsia  (20%)  and  hypertension  (21%).  GDM  was  also  substantially  linked  to  fetal complications, such as preterm birth (22%), and macrosomia (29%).Conclusion: In conclusion, the high incidence of GDM emphasizes the necessity of lifestyle changes,  early  screening,  and  focused  interventions  to  reduce  related  risks.  To  lower  the prevalence  of  GDM  and  enhance  pregnancy  outcomes, public  health  programs  emphasizing nutritional counseling and maternal education are advised.