Gestational diabetes in Cameroon: analytical study of the glycemic profile and pregnancy outcomes at the Laquintinie Hospital in Douala

Abstract

Introduction: The direct effects of a disruption in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism during the first trimester of pregnancy remain poorly understood, hence the main objective of this study, to seek an association between the glycemic profile of the pregnant woman in the first trimester of pregnancy and the outcome of childbirth.

Methodology: We carried out an analytical cross-sectional study concerning two groups of pregnant women with a prospective recruitment method at the maternity ward of Laquintinie Hospital over a period of 06 months. We were interested in any childbirth from the term of 28 weeks of amenorrhea, in whom fasting blood sugar had been measured before 16 weeks of amenorrhea. The variables were collected in the delivery room using a structured and pre-tested survey form. Statistical analyzes were performed with a statistical significance threshold set at a P value < 0.05.

Results: Out of a total of 142 pregnant women included in our study, 32.0% of pregnant women had a fasting blood glucose (FBG) ≥ 0.92 g/L (group 1). There was a significant association between fasting blood sugar ≥ 0.92 g/l in the first trimester and premature delivery (OR: 2.99; p=.002); the birth of macrosome newborns (OR: 3.64; p=0.017); cesarean section (OR: 2.18; p=0.009),
hospitalization of newborns (OR: 2.98; p=0.002).

Conclusion: Abnormal blood sugar levels in the first trimester are associated with a risk of complications during delivery