Abstract: Background: GDM significantly affects maternal and fetal health, increasing risks of hypertensive disorders, cesarean deliveries, and long-term type 2 diabetes for mothers, and macrosomia, stillbirth, and congenital malformations for infants. Global GDM prevalence ranges from 1% to 28%. Effective management through lifestyle changes and medical treatment can improve outcomes. Risk factors include advanced maternal age, obesity, family history of diabetes, and low socioeconomic status.
Aim of the study: The study aims to measure the sociodemographic characteristics associated with GDM among antenatal women.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 250 Bed Gaibandha District Hospital, Gaibandha, Bangladesh from July 2023 to December 2023, enrolling 125 pregnant women using purposive sampling. Participants were divided into two groups: 55 with GDM and 70 without. Inclusion criteria included women aged 18+, at 20-23 weeks of gestation, with a singleton pregnancy. Exclusion criteria involved pre-existing diabetes or chronic illnesses. Data were collected via structured questionnaires, following IDF, ADA, and WHO guidelines, including a 75 g OGTT. Physical activity and depressive symptoms were assessed. Statistical analysis used SPSS 26, with significance set at p≤0.05.
Result: The study compared the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of 125 antenatal women, including 55 with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and 70 controls. The GDM group was older (mean age 31.85±4.39 vs. 29.52±4.67 years, p<0.001) and had a higher family history of diabetes (29.09% vs. 15.71%, p<0.001). GDM cases had elevated fasting glucose (101.65±14.72 vs. 79.25±8.34 mg/dL) and systolic blood pressure (117.31±13.05 vs. 113.44±9.52 mmHg). Physical activity was lower, and antenatal depression was higher in the GDM group (p<0.001). Other factors showed no significant differences.
Conclusion: This study highlights significant sociodemographic factors linked to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) among antenatal women, including age, family history of diabetes, blood glucose levels, and antenatal depression. It emphasizes the importance of early screening and tailored interventions to manage risks, recommending further research on long-term impacts and preventive measures for GDM.