Prevalence and Risk Factors of gestational diabetes in pregnant women in low-resource settings

Kavita Reddy; A. Kapoor; V. Iyer

doi:10.5281/zenodo.22813832

Authors

Kavita Reddy Department of Clinical Obstetrics and Maternal Health, Zambezi Center for Obstetrics and Maternal Health Author https://orcid.org/0554-2535-7098-0832
A. Kapoor Department of Clinical Obstetrics and Maternal Health, Uruguay Institute for Advanced Obstetrics and Maternal Health Author https://orcid.org/1794-7821-9336-9806
V. Iyer Department of Gynecology, Uruguay Institute for Advanced Obstetrics and Maternal Health Author https://orcid.org/5397-3954-6893-727X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22813832

Keywords:

gestational diabetes, prevalence, risk factors, low-resource settings, pregnancy

Abstract

Graphical abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is rising fastest in low-resource settings, where the highest burden coincides with the least screening and laboratory capacity.

Objective: This study estimated GDM prevalence and characterised its associated risk factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in a low-resource setting, using current IADPSG/WHO diagnostic criteria.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study across three low-resource antenatal facilities, 1,796 women completed a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test at 24-28 weeks, diagnosed by IADPSG/WHO thresholds, with risk factors assessed by structured questionnaire and multivariable logistic regression.

Results: GDM prevalence was 13.6% (95% CI 12.1-15.2%), rising with maternal age and pre-pregnancy body mass index; maternal age >=35 years (aOR 2.61), obesity (aOR 3.42), family history of type 2 diabetes (aOR 2.18), and prior macrosomia (aOR 2.85) were independently associated with GDM, while over a third of affected women had no classical risk factor.

Conclusion: GDM prevalence in this low-resource population was high and its risk profile mirrored international patterns; universal rather than risk-factor-based screening, paired with pragmatic tiered protocols and structured postpartum follow-up, should be prioritised in comparable settings.

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