A Study on Prevalence, Drug Therapy, Major Complications & Effect on Neonates of Gestational Diabetes in Dhaka City

Abstract

The increased rate of prevalence and associated risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is an important issue to consider in the global world lately. The consequences fall on both the mother and the neonate and it may increase the rate of child mortality and morbidity if the condition is avoided or ineffectively treated. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and examine the treatment therapy and the associated major complications of GDM. This prospective study included 150 pregnant women, more than 24 weeks‟ gestation, with or without GDM from different hospitals in Dhaka City. They were surveyed with a standard, structured questionnaire. The prevalence of GDM was found in 49 (32.69%) out of 150 patients surveyed. About 6.12% of them had preeclampsia; 4.08% had postpartum hypo/hypertension; 6.12% had preterm deliveries, and all of them (100%) underwent cesarean section. Of all the 49 patients with GDM, 16.33% gave birth to babies with Macrosomia, about 34.69% with Jaundice and approx. 28.57% with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). Majority of the patients were under treatment with Insulin (46.93%) and Metformin (30.61%). The incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus has become quite a common scenario among people around the world especially in Asia and Africa because of lack of awareness of the risk factors and consequences of this condition. The current situation can only be overcome by letting general people know about GDM and its effects on both mother and baby. However, in this study, the prevalence rate was found to be quite higher than usual due to the error in sampling, which happened because the study was carried out in such settings where most of the patients had Diabetes Mellitus. So if further studies to be conducted, it should be designed in such a way that more population can be included to bring a better outcome in future.