Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Associated Risk Factors Among Pregnant Women in Tuaran, Sabah State, Malaysia

Objective: To determine the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and its associated risk factors among pregnant women in Tuaran District, Sabah State, Malaysia. Material and Methods: A cross sectional analytical study was conducted in Tuaran. Data collection was done by interview method using structured questionnaire and antenatal records review. The study population was all the pregnant women, at and above 24 weeks of gestation who attended the antenatal care clinics in Tuaran District from March to June, 2018. The pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes were excluded from the study. Convenience sampling method was used and 195 pregnant women participated in the study. Descriptive and analytical statistics were done by using SPSS statistical software. GDM has emerged as a major public health concern all over the world. It would develop maternal and foetal adverse outcomes. The prevalence of GDM ranged from 1% to 28% worldwide and from 18.3% to 27.9% in Malaysia. Results: The prevalence of GDM among all participants in Tuaran District was 28.2%. The risk factors significantly associated with GDM were advanced maternal age (p=0.042), presence of family history of diabetes mellitus (p=0.009) and previous history of GDM (p=0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of GDM among pregnant women in Tuaran District was found to be higher than the previous studies done in Malaysia. Promotion of healthy lifestyle, provision of intense health education, quality antenatal care and early detection with proper management of GDM among pregnant women are crucial for prevention and control of GDM and reduction of adverse maternal and foetal outcomes.