IMPACT OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES ON MATERNAL AND FETAL OUTCOMES IN PAKISTANI WOMEN: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common metabolic disorder that occurs during pregnancy and is associated with poor outcomes for both the mother and the fetus. Despite the disease's increasing prevalence, there is currently a dearth of prospective data on how GDM affects maternal and infant outcomes in Pakistan.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of GDM on maternal and fetal outcomes in Pakistani women.

Methodology: Using non-probability consecutive sampling, 112 pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation were included in this prospective cohort study. To diagnose GDM in accordance with WHO guidelines, participants completed an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The mean ± SD was used to summarize continuous variables, whereas frequencies and percentages were used to summarize categorical variables. Results from GDM and non-GDM groups were compared using logistic regression analysis, the independent t-test, and the chi-square test.

Results: Women with GDM were older, had higher BMI, and more frequently had a family history of diabetes. Cesarean delivery was significantly more common among GDM pregnancies, while other maternal complications, such as preeclampsia and pregnancy-induced hypertension, were more frequent but not statistically significant. Infants of GDM mothers had higher birth weights, with increased rates of macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycemia, and NICU admission.

Conclusion: GDM considerably raises the likelihood of unfavorable outcomes for both mothers and newborns. Improving pregnancy outcomes for Pakistani women requires early GDM screening, monitoring, and treatment.