Risk Factors Associated with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Among Pregnant Women

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) represents 84% of hyperglycemia during pregnancy throughout the world. Moreover, being black is a risk factor to develop the disease. Our objective was to determine the prevalence and the associated factors of GDM in Tripoli. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over the period from March to April 2024. We have selected 3 diagnostic laboratories inside Tripoli to collect the data. Pregnant women were enrolled at each center where we had stayed for a week. Majority of participants 42.5% were in the age ≥ 35 years, and the lowest 11.5% were from the age of 20-24 years. The mean body mass index (BMI) was higher 60.5% for those with ≥25 and was lower 39.5% for those ≤25. For gestational ages, most of participants 48.5% were between 24-28 gestational week, while the minority 11.5% were within 24 gestational weeks. The highest percentage 42.5% regarding the parity was for pregnant with Pauciparous (1-4), and minority of participants 92.5% had history for GDM. Careful surveillance is required for these pregnancies in high-risk units for early detection and treatment of possible complications, in order to try to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidities. Further prospective studies among these high-risk populations with gestational diabetes should investigate the efficacy of possible surveillance programs.