Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes and its Related Risk Factors in Women Referring to Health Centers in Ilam – 2022

Introduction: Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic diseases, which complicates many pregnancies. The present study investigated the prevalence of gestational diabetes and its related risk factors. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted from April 2021 to March 2022, all pregnant women referred to the health centers of Ilam city, who had performed the OGTT test during the 24th-28th weeks of pregnancy, were included in the study. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire addressing demographic characteristics, medical records, and pregnancy and childbirth records. Data were analyzed with SPSS software version 19 using frequency, mean, T-test, chi-square tests, Fisher's exact, and logistic regression. In this study, the significance level was set as p<0.05. Results: Of 638 pregnant women, 589 (90.4%) had no diabetes, and 60 (9.6%) had gestational diabetes with a prevalence of 9.6%. Gestational diabetes was more common in multiparous women aged above 30 years and overweight in early pregnancy (p=0.001). Age, level of education, body mass index, and economic status had a statistically significant relationship with gestational diabetes (p=0.001). History of stillbirth, history of abortion, macrosomia, history of diabetes in family, prediabetes status and previous gestational diabetes, and hypothyroidism were the possible risk factors for gestational diabetes (p=0.001). Urinary tract infections and blood pressure disorders were more common in those with diabetes (p=0.001). Conclusion: Because gestational diabetes was more common in multiparous women aged above 30 years and overweight in early pregnancy, timely counseling and education for this pregnant group can effectively reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes.