Exploring Diabetes screening in pregnancy: a comprehensive study at two teaching hospitals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: to determine frequency of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) among antenatal women visiting two teaching hospitals of Kohat & Peshawar Pakistan. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Liaqat Memorial Hospital, Kohat and Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan, from December 2022 to May 2023. Participants were selected through non-probability convenient sampling, and antenatal women were included after written informed consent. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was, and GDM was diagnosed, based on International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria. Demographic details and OGTT results were recorded. RESULTS: In a cohort of 244 antenatal patients (mean age 28.80±5.76 years, 44.3% multigravida), GDM was diagnosed in 27.5%, 18.4%, and 16.4% based on FBS, one-hour OGTT, and two-hour OGTT, respectively. Significant associations were found between GDM and positive family history of DM, and maternal DM across all diagnostic criteria. However, no significant associations were observed with paternal DM, first-degree relatives, or siblings. A previous history of GDM showed a significant association with GDM in current pregnancy. Hypertension exhibited a significant association with GDM across all criteria, while no significant associations were found for BMI, polyhydramnios, or gravidity. CONCLUSION: GDM frequency was 27.5%, 18.4%, and 16.4% based on FBS, one-hour, and two-hour OGTT. Significantly associated factors included positive family history of DM, maternal DM, hypertension, and a previous GDM history. No significant associations were found with paternal DM, first-degree relatives, siblings, BMI, polyhydramnios, or gravidity. These findings contribute to refining GDM screening and management guidelines in primary and secondary care settings.

Keywords

• diabetes, gestational
• blood glucose
• glucose tolerance test
• body mass index
• risk factors
• diabetes mellitus
• hyperglycemia
• obesity