Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Risk Factors and Perinatal Outcomes in Abha, Saudi Arabia

Objective: This study aimed to assess the risk factors associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and evaluate its maternal-neonatal outcomes in pregnancies among Saudi women.

Materials and Methods: A one-year retrospective case-control study of Saudi women was conducted at the Abha Maternity and Pediatric Hospital, in Saudi Arabia. All pregnant Saudi women diagnosed with GDM at the time of the study were matched with healthy pregnant women and their newborn babies. Information including socio-demographic data, family history, obstetric history, maternal complications, and neonatal outcomes were collected and recorded from their medical records.

Results: A total of 289 women (159 cases and 130 controls) and their newborn babies were included in the study. Higher rates of maternal and neonatal complications were observed in the GDM group. The factors of advanced maternal age, BMI, family history of diabetes, and previous history of GDM were the main significant factors associated with the development of GDM. Cesarean section, polyhydramnios, and preterm labor were the most common pregnancy outcomes (P<0.001), while hyperbilirubinemia and hypoglycemia were the most common neonatal complications (P<0.001).

Conclusion: The findings confirmed that GDM is a medical disorder of pregnancy that is associated with undesirable maternal and fetal outcomes. Pregnant women at risk for GDM should be identified, and high-quality prenatal care should be offered in order to minimize the complications of GDM both for the mother and the neonate.