Prevalence and Determinants of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus at a Tertiary Health Facility in Lagos, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a major public health concern worldwide. AIMS: This study aimed to determine its current prevalence and identify contributing factors among pregnant women attending a health facility in Lagos, Nigeria. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary health facility in Lagos, Nigeria, involving 400 consenting pregnant women with a gestational age of 24-28 weeks. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and obstetric history were collected. Participants underwent fasting plasma glucose and oral glucose tolerance tests, consuming 75 g of glucose in 300 ml of water. Glucose levels were measured using the oxidase-peroxidase method, and GDM was diagnosed according to the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups/World Health Organization (IADPSG/WHO 2013) criteria. RESULTS: Participants' ages ranged from 18 to 51 years, with a mean age of 31.0 ± 5.3 years. A total of 76 participants met the IADPSG/WHO 2013 criteria, resulting in a GDM prevalence of 19.0%. The identified significant risk factors for GDM included macrosomia (χ2 = 4.33, P = 0.037), family history of diabetes (χ2 = 4.4, P = 0.036), previous miscarriages (χ2 = 15.8, P = 0.001) and congenital anomalies (χ2 = 6.4, P = 0.011). Notably, having previously delivered a macrosomic baby was independently and significantly associated with GDM (odds ratio 4.3, 95% confidence interval = 1.08-16.9, P = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of GDM underscores the need to screen all pregnant women, particularly those with a history of macrosomia. Larger and longitudinal studies are encouraged to identify other relevant factors that could aid in effectively screening and identifying all affected pregnant women.