Abstract

PREVALENCE OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS IN PREGNANT WOMEN AT A SECONDARY CARE HOSPITAL

Dr. Deena Sunayani Peters, Dr. Kanchana N. Dussa*, Ummay Mariya, Mohammed Abdul Baseer, Afreen Fathima, Badar Unnisa

ABSTRACT

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) represents a growing global metabolic challenge associated with severe adverse maternal, fetal, and neonatal clinical sequelae. Ecause of significant regional epidemiological variations across India, localized tracking within secondary healthcare settings is vital to optimize screening efficiency and resource allocation. The aim of this study was to assess prevalence of GDM in secondary care hospital. Methods: A prospective hospital-based observational study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Secondary care Hospital, Hyderabad, India. Study was carried out for 6-month period from December 2025 to June 2026. Pregnant women at ≥ 20 weeks of gestation who provided verbal informed consent were included. Data collection form was developed for the purpose of this study. Data collection form was utilized for documenting the data. Diagnostic categorization followed the World Health Organization (WHO) 2013 criteria utilizing standardized biochemical plasma glucose testing, including oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) indicators and HbA1c and RBS values.[2] Results: Out of 301 pregnant women 15% of participants had a positive family history of diabetes or GDM whereas 4.0% (n=12) participants had a documented personal history of pre-existing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Out of 301 pregnant women 9.63% of participants were diagnosed with GDM. Conclusion: GDM prevalence of 9.63% was noticed & this indicates significant metabolic burden in secondary care hospital. Elevated BMI (n=9, 31%) was noticed among GDM participants (n=29). Early identification of GDM is necessary. Pharmacist and general physician needs to collaborate with obstetrics and gynaecology and provide patient counselling and education to regarding lifestyle &/or therapeutic management to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Keywords: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Prevalence, Secondary Healthcare, Oral Glucose Tolerance Test, Body Mass Index, South India.