Impact of Gestational and Pre-Gestational Diabetes on Maternal Complications and Fetal Outcomes: A Comparative Observational Study at Rangpur Medical College Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes in pregnancy, including gestational and pre-gestational diabetes, presents significant risks to both maternal and fetal health. Understanding the impact of these conditions on pregnancy outcomes is crucial for developing effective management strategies.
Methods: This observational comparative study involved 300 pregnant women at Rangpur Medical College Hospital, divided into three groups: pre-gestational diabetic (Group A), gestational diabetic (Group B), and non-diabetic control (Group C). Data on socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric profiles, mode of delivery, maternal complications, and fetal outcomes were collected and analyzed.
Result: The study meticulously analyzed socio-demographic characteristics, revealing no significant differences across the groups. In obstetric profiles, Group A (Pre-Gestational Diabetic) had a notably lower mean gestational age at delivery (36.06 ± 2.71 weeks) compared to Group B (Gestational Diabetic) and Group C (Control), with mean ages of 37.34± 1.12 and 38.46±1.13 weeks, respectively. Maternal complications were significantly higher in Group A at 47%, compared to 25% in Group B and 12% in Group C. Fetal outcomes showed marked variations: Group A had 95% stable births, 5% stillbirths, and 60% of neonates with Apgar scores ≤7 at 5 minutes. In contrast, Group B had 96% stable births, 4% stillbirths, and 27% of neonates with Apgar scores ≤7, while Group C reported 100% stable births and 11% with Apgar scores ≤7. Birth weight distribution indicated 24% of neonates in Group A weighed <2 kg, compared to 5% in Group B and 4% in Group C. NICU admissions were highest in Group A (44%), followed by Group B (29%) and Group C (11%). Perinatal complications like birth asphyxia (38% in Group A, 16% in Group B, 6% in Group C), hypoglycemia (22% in Group A, 10% in Group B, 4% in Group C), and hyperbilirubinemia (16% in Group A, 12% in Group B, 0% in Group C) were also significantly higher in diabetic groups.
Conclusion: The presence of gestational or pre-gestational diabetes in mothers significantly impacts fetal outcomes and increases the risk of maternal complications. This study highlights the need for specialized care and vigilant monitoring in pregnancies complicated by diabetes to improve health outcomes for mothers and babies.