Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and its association with pregnancy outcomes in three referral hospitals in Bhutan

Abstract

Introduction: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) has been defined as any degree of glucose intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. There is no national data on the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus, and there is no routine screening system for diabetes in pregnancy in Bhutan. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of GDM and its association with pregnancy outcomes in three referral hospitals in Bhutan.

Methods: This was a prospective study done between March and December 2016 in three referral hospitals in Bhutan, with 726 participants recruited between 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy. Two blood samples were taken, one in a fasting state to test fasting blood sugar and another to test blood sugar level 2 hours after drinking 75g glucose in 300ml water. They were analyzed in the Clinical Biochemistry laboratories in the respective hospitals. Cut-off levels of 5.6mmol/ L (101mg/ dL) for fasting blood sugar and 8.5-mmol/L (153-mg/dL) for 2 hours blood sugar report were used. Women diagnosed with GDM were closely followed up throughout the pregnancy up till delivery. At delivery, information on mother and the baby were collected.

Results: The prevalence of GDM in the three referral hospitals in Bhutan was 15%. The prevalence of GDM cases in the three hospitals was similar and statistically was not significant. Conclusions: Universal screening of pregnant women is recommended to detect hyperglycemia and to achieve euglycemia in order to prevent complications in both mothers and babies.