Gestational Diabetes Mellitus among Pregnant Women Delivering in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus is increasing globally leading to significant maternal and foetal morbidity. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus among pregnant women delivering in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study on a total of 3034 pregnant women was conducted in a tertiary care hospital from 14th April 2017 to 13th April 2018 with ethical approval from Research and Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 061-077/078) of the hospital. Pregnant women who met the eligibility criteria were included in the study. Convenience sampling was done. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 24.0 and Microsoft Excel. Point estimate at 99% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and percentage for binary data. Results: Among 3034 patients who delivered in the tertiary centre, the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus was found to be 104 (3.42%) (2.57-4.26 at 99% Confidence Interval). The majority of women were of maternal age >30 years in 69 (66.34%). Out of which 48 (46.15%) women had family history of diabetes mellitus. Thirty-eight (36.53%) patients required a caesarean section. The most common obstetric complication was polyhydramnios in 35 (35.57%). Conclusions: The prevalence of gestational diabetes was lower when compared to other studies done in similar settings. The majority of women were of higher maternal age, had family history of diabetes mellitus and were also obese.