Abstract:

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GMM) is increasing worldwide and progress to type 2 diabetes mellitus. An increase of GDM is also observed in Tanzania. Multiple associated factors of GDM like age, previous GDM, history of DM is the family etc, have been observed and may differ according to the population studied. Moreover GDM predispose the mother and fetus to increased risk of multiple complications during pregnancy and later. Its early identification and control reduces the complications and improve maternal and neonatal health.

Objective: The study aimed at determining the prevalence and associated factors of GDM at Makongoro clinic in Mwanza city, Tanzania.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st September 2014 to February 2015 involving 390 pregnant women meeting the inclusion criteria; a structured questionnaire was used to collect all relevant data of the participants, including demographic information and known associated factors of GDM. A request to return the following day was made in case the women did not come in a fasting state. Fasting blood glucose was taken from capillary blood and an OGTT with 75g oral glucose in 250mls of water was administered orally to all participants. After 2 hours, the capillary blood glucose was measured once again. The diagnosis of GDM was obtained using the WHO criteria. Measurement was done by a glucometer (GlucoPlus). An additional urinalysis was done using the multistix with color sensitive pads and results for glucose, ketone, protein and leucocytes were reported.

Results: During the study period at Makongoro Health Centre, 390 pregnant women were interviewed and examined. The prevalence of GDM among pregnant women at Makongoro was 5.1%

It was noted that among investigated factors, participants with increased maternal age with p=0.027, increased gestational age with p=0.032, increased body mass index p=0.025 were likely to develop GDM, compared with those with normal findings.

Conclusion: There is increasing trend of GDM in women attending Makongoro antenatal clinic, therefore we recommend screening for GDM Antenatally to reduce the magnitude of is morbidity and mortality as this is a preventable disease. Associated factors found my help us to identify women who are likely to develop GDM and do more investigation in order to prevent the disease.