Awareness About Gestational Diabetes Among Antenatal Patients of Services Hospital Lahore

Abstract

Objective: To determine awareness about gestational diabetes mellitus among pregnant
women attending antenatal outpatient department of Services Hospital Lahore.
Methods: This was a cross sectional study in which 200 pregnant patients were enrolled from
antenatal outpatient department of Services Hospital Lahore. A comprehensive questionnaire
was given to the participants after taking informed consent. Apart from demographic data it
comprised of questions regarding awareness and knowledge about gestational diabetes. The
areas in which knowledge of women was explored were risk factors, screening, long-term
concerns, prevention and follow-up of post-partum period.
Results: Total number of study participants were 200 pregnant females with mean age of 27
years. 38% had primary education.62.5% of women were aware of fact that gestational
diabetescould occur for the first time in pregnancy. Only 20% had information about the glucose
levels which considered to be abnormal and 24% were aware of fact that gestational diabetes
could persist after delivery.33% had no knowledge regarding risk factors and 42% were unaware
of complications of gestational diabetes mellitus. Major source of information was family and
friends (49%).
Conclusions: Awareness of antenatal women on different aspects of gestational diabetes is
not up to the mark and as incidence of disease is growing, adequate knowledge on risk factors,
course of disease and effect of GDM on fetomaternal outcome will help in improving pregnancy  outcomes.