Gestational diabetes mellitus: The prevalence, associated factors and foeto-maternal outcome of women attending antenatal care.

Objective: The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), its associated risk factors, foeto-maternal outcomes and prevalence of postnatal diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study using retrospective data from existing antenatal records of new antenatal women who registered at 72 public health clinics in Selangor in January 2014.

Results: A total of 745 antenatal records were reviewed. The prevalence of GDM women was 27.9% (n = 184). GDM risks were higher in women aged 35 years old and above and in those with maternal obesity. GDM women had a higher risk of having a non-spontaneous vaginal delivery compared to non-GDM women. The prevalence of postnatal DM among GDM mother was 12.1%. Working GDM mothers were at higher risk of developing postnatal DM.

Conclusion: The prevalence of GDM among newly registered women attending antenatal public health care in Selangor was higher than previous studies. Health care personnel need to be vigilant in screening women with risk factors.