Maternal Outcomes in Pregnancies Complicated by Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Western Kenya

Abstract

Gestational diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a disorder at pregnancy thought to result from maternal dysregulation of maternal glucose metabolism, causing insulin intolerance thus contributing to adverse maternal outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal outcomes associated with gestational diabetes mellitus among pregnant women with GDM in Kisumu County, western Kenya. A case-control study was carried out among 210 pregnant women in Kisumu County. Screening and diagnosis were performed using the 2013 WHO criteria. Data was collected using a checklist and gynaecological files. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were done in SPSS V.23 using Chi-square (χ2) test to test for associations. Results showed that of the 105 GDM cases, majority were in 30-34 years age group, married and employed. Additional analysis revealed that gestational age at delivery ≥ 40 weeks, caesarean delivery, induced labour, pregnancy induced hypertension (all p<0.001) were significantly associated with GDM. Thus, the findings, suggests that due to adverse maternal outcomes there is need for interventions such as early screening and management of GDM among the high-risk populations.