Maternal Risk Factors of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus a Case Control Study in a Tertiary Care Setting of Delhi

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has been observed to be associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. GDM is becoming a public health concern globally as well as in India with fast increasing trend. It affects approximately 14% of all pregnancies.

Objective: To study the maternal risk factors for developing GDM in pregnant women based on personal and family histories.

Material and Methods: A hospital based case control study was conducted in Lady Hardinge Medical College and associated hospital with a sample size of 104 (52 cases & 52 controls). Pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus as diagnosed by abnormal oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) were taken as cases and pregnant women who have completed 24 weeks of gestation and who tested negative on Glucose Challenge test (GCT) were selected as controls. The data was compiled and analysed in SPSS version 12.

Results: Maternal age 25-30 years vs<25 years, OR=2.27; Maternal age >30 years vs<25 years, OR=7.75; socioeconomic status : upper vs lower OR= 56.25; middle vs lower OR=7.50; working women OR=5.23, age at menarche 13-16 years OR=4.09, > 16 years OR=31.90; irregular menses OR=7.93; Age at conception- 25-30 years vs<25 years >30 years vs<25 years OR= 1.65(0.62-4.37), 7.41(0.85-64.58) respectively; Parity ≥3 vs<3 OR=1.43, Family history of DM OR= 11.07.

Conclusions: The information found in the study regarding the risk factors may contribute heavily to the policy makers to develop strategies to combat the problem of GDM in the community.