Prevalence of gestational diabetes and associated risk factors among pregnant women.

Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), characterized by hyperglycemia during pregnancy, poses significant health risks to both mothers and their offspring. Its prevalence varies widely across regions and populations. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of GDM and identify its associated risk factors. Methods: This a cross-sectional study conducted from October 2022 to October 2023 at a private hospital, 741 pregnant women underwent a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24-28 weeks of gestation. Participants adhered to normal dietary habits three days prior to testing and fasted for 8-14 hours overnight before the test. Fasting blood sugar levels were recorded, followed by glucose administration, and blood sugar levels were re-measured 2 hours later. Results: Among the participants, 585 were non-GDM, while 156 were diagnosed with GDM. In the GDM group, only 20.5% had no risk factors compared to 37.3% in the non-diabetic group. Key risk factors included maternal age over 35 years adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: (4.77, 95% CI: 2.89-8.09; Conclusions: This study highlights the critical nature of identifying specific risk factors for populations and recommends universal screening to ensure comprehensive care. Variations in prevalence and risk factors underscore the need for region-specific research to inform public health strategies.