Risk factors associated with gestational diabetes mellitus: a retrospective case-control study

Objectives The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has increased year-after-year globally, especially in low-income and developing countries. This study aims to identify the prevalence of GDM, the risk factors, and the effect on pregnancy outcome based on a retrospective case-control study. Methods Two hundred ninety-three parturients with GDM who delivered in a general hospital in Fujian province and met the inclusion criteria were selected as the case group from January to June 2018. Two hundred ninety-three parturients without GDM who delivered in the same period served as the control group. Risk factors for GDM were determined by univariate and binary logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of pregnancy outcomes was determined by a chi-square test. Results The prevalence of GDM was 15.69%. The percentages of 1, 2, and 3 abnormal OGTT values were 55.6%, 30.7%, and 13.7%, respectively. Gravidas with GDM have a higher risk of macrosomia, polyhydramnios, pre-eclampsia, placenta previa, and gestational hypertension than gravidas without GDM (p < 0.05). Analysis of the factors influencing the development of GDM was advanced age, married, parents with a history of diabetes, gestational hypertension, and number of abortions. Conclusions The prevalence of GDM was 15.69% in this geographic region, and > 50% of the patients had one abnormal OGTT value. The risk factors for GDM were advanced age, parents with diabetes, gestational hypertension, and the number of abortions. Pregnancy outcomes of the two groups of patients were different with respect to macrosomia, polyhydramnios, pre-eclampsia, placenta previa, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.