Association between gestational diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia in the Buea Health District, Cameroon

BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), characterized by glucose intolerance, is an increasingly prevalent public health issue linked to both maternal and neonatal complications. Dyslipidemia, a cardiovascular risk factor associated with insulin resistance, can exacerbate GDM and lead to more severe maternal and fetal outcomes. While lipid changes are normal in pregnancy, excessive dysregulation may cause endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and complications such as preeclampsia, macrosomia, and cesarean delivery. Understanding the burden of these conditions in local settings is crucial for early risk identification, targeted prevention, and improved maternal-fetal health. AIM To determine the prevalence and identify factors associated with GDM and its association with dyslipidemia among pregnant women attending health facilities in the Buea Health District (BHD), Cameroon. METHODS A cross-sectional hospital-based study was conducted from January 2024 to July 2024 in the BHD. A total of 113 pregnant women were selected by convenience. Sociodemographic, obstetric, and lifestyle data were collected using a structured and pretested questionnaire. Lipid profile was evaluated by enzymatic colorimetric methods. GDM was diagnosed by the oral glucose tolerance test using the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence 2015 criteria. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26. The Student’s t -test was used to compare mean biochemical parameters between groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between GDM and dyslipidemia. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS The age of participants was 28.70 ± 5.19 years. The prevalence of GDM in the BHD was 10.6%. Pregnant women aged ≥ 34 years had an 11.47-fold higher risk of developing GD than their counterparts aged 20-26 years [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 11.47, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.19-3.15; P = 0.03]. Also, unemployed women had an 8.80-fold higher risk of developing GDM compared to those who were employed (aOR = 8.80, 95%CI: 1.01-2.06; P = 0.04). Furthermore, women who exercised infrequently had a 10.31-fold higher risk of developing GDM than their counterparts who exercised daily (aOR = 10.31, 95%CI: 1.69-3.06; P = 0.02). Also, women who had a family history of diabetes were 4.35 times more at risk of developing GDM than their counterparts who had no family history (aOR = 4.35, 95%CI: 0.91-2.10; P = 0.04). The prevalence of dyslipidemia was 31.90%, and it was associated with the trimester of pregnancy (P = 0.003). Pregnant women in their third trimester of pregnancy had a 2.86-fold higher risk of developing dyslipidemia compared to those in their second trimester (aOR = 2.86, 95%CI: 1.06-7.70; P = 0.004). Also, GDM was associated with dyslipidemia (P = 0.037). CONCLUSION The prevalence of GDM and dyslipidemia among pregnant women in the BHD was 10.6% and 31.90%, respectively. Dyslipidemia was associated with GDM. Advanced maternal age, unemployment, less frequent exercise, and family history of diabetes mellitus were associated with GDM in the BHD.