Frequency of gestational diabetes mellitus and the associated risk factors

Objective: This prospective study was undertaken to assess the frequency of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and the associated risk factors during pregnancy. Methods: The sample consisted of 650 pregnant women who had no known risk factors for GDM and were followed-up at the Outpatient Clinic for Pregnant Women, Corum State Hospital between March 2009 and June 2010. The data were expressed as percentage, arithmetic mean, standard deviation and chi-square test. Results: Of the 650 pregnant women, 45 were diagnosed with GDM during the study period (6.9%). A statistically significant correlation between GDM and advanced age, family history, and body mass index was found, while no significant correlations existed between GDM and the frequency of pregnancy, number of pregnancy, parity, and number of live births. Conclusion: Advanced age, high body mass index and family history of diabetes mellitus emerged as risk factors for GDM in our study.