Maternal and foetal outcome of gestational diabetes mellitus in a rural block of Assam, India

AimIndia is known as a diabetic capital of the world and it has been well recognized that women especially pregnant and lactating women form one of the most vulnerable segments of the population from nutritional point of view.ObjectivesTo assess the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus and measure the maternal and foetal outcome of gestational diabetes mellitus.MethodsA cohort study was conducted in an area served by rural block primary health centre, where all consented pregnant women in first trimester registered between June and August 2011 were followed up in second and third trimester to measure incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus along with maternal and foetal outcome measurement during delivery and postnatal period.ResultsThe incidence of GDM amongst the study population was 3% (28, n = 930). The impaired glucose tolerance was documented amongst 216 (23.2%, n = 930) ladies. Prevalence of underweight was 21.4% (202), while 5.7% (54) were overweight and 0.2% (2) was obese in first trimester. Anaemia prevalence was 72% (670) (Hb < 110 g/l). Serum albumin level was lower in 32.9%. LSCS rate was found significantly higher amongst GDM subjects compared to non-GDM subjects (RR = 4.58; 95% CI, 2.18–9.59, p = 0.000). Mean birth weight of neonate was 2.802 ± 0.479. Birth weight was found significantly higher amongst GDM group compared to non-GDM group (χ2 = 166.8, p = 0.000). Neonatal death was more common amongst GDM group compared to non-GDM group (χ2 = 6.776, p = 0.034).ConclusionThere is increased caesarean section rate, admission to an NICU among women who had gestational diabetes mellitus during pregnancy.