Gestational Diabetes: Risk Factors, Perinatal Complications and Screening Importance in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: A Public Health Dilemma

Abstract

Aim: The study identified the incidence of undiagnosed gestational diabetes and its consequences on maternal/neonatal mortality and highlighted screening importance in an African urban setting in the Niger Delta region in Nigeria. Study Design: Randomised study.  Place and Duration of Study: Pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in one tertiary, six primary, six secondary, hospitals, and six maternity homes in the Niger delta area of Nigeria between May 2006 to May 2009. Method: A total of 1920 pregnant women were recruited into the study. While 956 received the oral glucose test and formed the study group, 964 declined from continuing in the study, and formed the control group. Results: Women with gestational diabetes were at increased risk for premature rupture of membranes, preterm birth; breech presentation and high birth weight adjusting for maternal age. Conclusion: The presence of gestational diabetes in pregnancy is predictive of poor pregnancy outcome as it remains undetected in conception resulting in unto wards maternal/neonatal complications.