Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Prevalence and Correlates in North West, Nigeria

Introduction

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common medical complications of pregnancy. It is a condition in which women without previously diagnosed diabetes mellitus exhibit high blood glucose levels during pregnancy. Hyperglycemia in pregnancy results in both maternal and fetal complications. The prevalence is rising worldwide. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of GDM and its correlates among women attending ANC at FMC Birnin Kebbi.

Methodology

A cross sectional study was carried out among 130 women attending ANC at FMC, Birnin Kebbi. An interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain the biodata and other relevant information which were imputed into an SPSS computer statistical software version 20 and analyzed.

Results

The mean age of study participants was 27.4±4.5 years. Awareness of DM was high (90%), while that of GDM was low 41%. The major sources of information were friends/ neighbors (35%). However, only 35.2% had overall good knowledge for GDM. The prevalence of GDM and DM in pregnancy was 10% and 3.8% respectively. The major risk factors for GDM identified were; age, obesity and family of type 2 DM. The common complications identified associated from GDM/DM were; polyhydramnios, intrauterine fetal death and increase risk of Caesarean section.

Conclusion

From the study the prevalence of GDM is increasing with general poor knowledge of the condition. Hence, more public enlightenment programs are needed to improve the level of awareness among the populace and regular screening in all health facilities among the ANC patients.