Prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus and its outcome in western Rajasthan

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a metabolic disorder defined as glucose intolerance with the onset or first recognition during pregnancy. Women with GDM are at increased risk for adverse obstetric and perinatal outcome. Hence, it is imperative that an early detection and management of the disease is done to ensure better maternal and fetal outcomes. Aims: This study was done to evaluate the prevalence of gestational diabetes using diabetes in pregnancy Study Group India (DIPSI) criteria and further assess its feto-maternal outcome in western Rajasthan. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in 500 patients between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation, attending the antenatal outdoor. These patients were given 75 g oral glucose irrespective of the meals and their plasma glucose was estimated at 2 h. Patients with plasma glucose values ΃140 mg/dl were labeled as GDM and the rest as the control or the non-GDM group. All GDM patients were followed up and treated with diet and/or insulin therapy till delivery to know maternal and fetal outcomes. Results: The prevalence of GDM in this study was 6.6%. Maternal and fetal complications in the GDM group were much higher than in the non-GDM group. Hypertension, vaginal candidiasis, and abruptio placentae were the common maternal complications, while macrosomia and stillbirths occurred in the fetuses. Conclusion: GDM as a disease entity adversely affects maternal and fetal outcomes. This also builds a strong case for following DIPSI guidelines in diagnosis and management of GDM.