Prevalence and risk factors of gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnant women at a tertiary health centre, Mardan, Pakistan

Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is characterized as impaired glucose tolerance that first occurs during pregnancy. GDM can lead to serious complications for both mother and fetus if undiagnosed or untreated. This study investigates the prevalence and risk factors of GDM among pregnant women at a tertiary health center in Mardan, Pakistan. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 9, 2023, to December 8, 2023, at Swat Medical College and Women's Hospital Mardan. A total of 320 pregnant women were screened using glucose challenge tests followed by oral glucose tolerance tests if initial results were abnormal. Data on socio-demographic factors, BMI, gravida status, and clinical history were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. Results: The prevalence of GDM in the study population was 24%. Advanced maternal age, higher BMI, and multigravida status were significant risk factors for GDM. Women aged over 35 years had the highest prevalence (48%). Overweight and obese women had prevalences of 30% and 32%, respectively. Multigravida women had a GDM prevalence of 32% compared to 22% in primigravida women. Family history of diabetes mellitus and history of GDM were the most common risk factors among GDM patients. Conclusion: The high prevalence of disease and its association with factors such as age, BMI, gravida status, and family history underscores the need for targeted screening and prevention strategies. Health education and lifestyle interventions should be prioritized to mitigate the impact of GDM on maternal and fetal health.