Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Maternal and Fetal Outcomes

The objective of a recent study was to assess the occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and analyze its impact on maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women.

This was a prospective, cross-sectional study conducted over seven months at a tertiary care hospital. The study included 518 pregnant women aged above 18 years who presented for labor and underwent the Diabetes in Pregnancy Study of India (DIPSI) test. Pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes mellitus and those on medications affecting glucose metabolism were excluded.

The results depicted a GDM occurrence rate of 15.44%. Most GDM patients (53.75%) managed their condition through dietary modifications alone. Metformin was required for 36.25% of the subjects, while 10% needed insulin. Of note, the GDM group exhibited higher rates of cesarean delivery (72.1%) and postpartum hemorrhage (17.5%) compared to the non-GDM group. Maternal complications, including gestational hypertension, polyhydramnios, and vaginal candidiasis, were significantly more prevalent among GDM subjects.

Thus, GDM is a common complication among pregnant women and is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Complications such as cesarean delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, gestational hypertension, polyhydramnios, urinary tract infections, and vaginal candidiasis are more prevalent in women with GDM.

Source: Biju P B, Chaudhary R K, Radhakrishnan K. et al. J Obstet Gynecol India. 2023.