The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus in Bangladesh: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Currently, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a major public health concern with a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes for both the mother and the fetus. The present study was aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of GDM in Bangladesh in order to assist public health policymakers. Methods We systematically searched different electronic databases like PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, and the national journal databases for studies on the prevalence of GDM in Bangladesh published up to May 2021. We used a random-effects model to estimate the pooled prevalence of GDM and the odds ratio (OR) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Results This meta-analysis included eight studies with a total of 6948 pregnant women participants. Six studies were conducted in an urban setting, one in a rural setting, and one in both settings. The pooled estimated prevalence of GDM in Bangladesh was 13% (95% CI: 7.0-21). The results of subgroup analysis revealed that the prevalence was significantly higher in older pregnant women than in the younger pregnant women (OR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.22-4.60, p=0.01), and women who were overweight or obese had a significantly higher prevalence than women with normal body weight (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.18-2.99, p=0.007). Conclusion The prevalence of GDM in Bangladesh was higher than the global prevalence of GDM as well as the prevalence of GDM in South Asian countries.