Diabetes mellitus is the commonest endocrine disorder identified during pregnancy. It can be either pre-existing diabetes mellitus or gestational diabetes mellitus. A descriptive crosssectional study was conducted among 915 study participants. Singleton pregnant women, who registered before the routine second trimester diabetes screening, were included. If the screening or diagnostic test were negative at 24 – 28weeks, they were screened again by oral glucose challenge test between 34 – 36weeks of gestation. Diagnosis was confirmed with oral glucose tolerance test. Mean age of the study sample was 28.96 years (SD=5.19). Mean values following glucose challenge test was 133.4mg/dl (SD=24.43) at third trimester. Mean blood sugar value following fasting, 2-hour oral Glucose tolerance test was 112.12mg/dl (SD=11.41) and 136.57mg/dl (SD=17.49) respectively. Majority was within the range of 121mg/dl to 140 mg/dl (N=748:81.1%). Mean birth weight was 2.96 kg (SD=361.48). All parameters except incidence of premature rupture of membrane were significantly associated with high blood sugar values following OGTT. Gestational diabetes mellitus in 3rd trimester could be identified as a significant risk factor for high amniotic fluid index (OR=2.449: 95% CI=1.552-3.863), pregnancy induced hypertension (OR=1.729:95 % CI=1.034-2.819), neonatal hypoglycaemia (OR=4.547:95 % CI=1.763-11.732) and admission to special care baby units (OR=3.14:95%CI=1.663-5.930). When the results of glucose challenge test were very high, requirement of confirmatory tests is minimized. Gestational diabetes mellitus in 3rd trimester is a significant risk factor for high amniotic fluid index, pregnancy induced hypertension, neonatal hypoglycaemia and admission to special care baby units. Special attention should be paid on pregnancy induced hypertension with increased blood sugar values. Specific precautions should be taken to treat neonatal hypoglycaemia and other perinatal outcomes when mothers with increased blood sugar levels deliver their babies. .
2022-06-01.
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