The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus in Aba, South Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Any degree of glucose intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy is regarded as Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). The incidence of diabetes in pregnancy in any obstetric population will vary according to whether diabetic screening is done routinely or not in these populations.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of GDM in Aba , Abia State, Nigeria.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study among antenatal clinic attendees to determine the prevalence of GDM. A structured pretested questionnaire was used to collect and record data on the medical and sociodemographic characteristics of the subjects. Blood samples were collected from the subjects and fasting or random blood sugar determined using a glucometer.
Results: The study showed the prevalence of GDM in Aba to be 2.2%. Three of the four subjects with GDM had a positive familial history of diabetes mellitus.
Conclusion: The prevalence of GDM is low in the population studied.

Keywords: Prevalence, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus