Patient Profile and Management of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh
Abstract
Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an important metabolic disorder of pregnancy that may adversely affect maternal and fetal health. Identification of women at risk and appropriate management during pregnancy are essential to minimize complications. This study was conducted to describe the demographic and obstetric profile of women with GDM and to evaluate their antenatal care, previous history of GDM, and management pattern in a tertiary-care hospital in Bangladesh. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, from April to September 2013. A total of 52 women diagnosed with GDM were included by purposive sampling. Women with known pregestational diabetes and those with GDM associated with major comorbidities such as hypertension or chronic nephritis were excluded. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS. Results were expressed as frequency and percentage. Results: The largest proportion of women were aged 26–30 years (40.4%), followed by 31–35 years (28.8%). Thus, 69.2% were aged 26–35 years. Multigravida women constituted 71.2% of the study population. Regular antenatal care was reported in 57.7% of women. A previous history of GDM was present in 23.1%, while 57.7% reported a family history of diabetes mellitus. Regarding management, 27.0% were treated with diet and prescribed exercise, 69.2% received diet plus insulin, and 3.8% received oral hypoglycaemic agents. Conclusion: Women with GDM in this study were predominantly aged 26–35 years and multigravida. A considerable proportion had a previous history of GDM or a family history of diabetes mellitus. Most women required insulin in addition to dietary management, emphasizing the importance of appropriate antenatal surveillance and individualized glycaemic management.