Maternal, fetal and neonatal adverse outcomes associated with gestational diabetes: a prospective cohort study at...

The study aimed to evaluate the cumulative incidence of gestational diabetes (GD) among pregnant women receiving antenatal care at the King Faisal Hospital (KFH) in Kigali, Rwanda, using the criteria established by the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups and endorsed by the WHO in 2013.

Prospective cohort study.

KFH-Kigali, Rwanda.

A total of 284 pregnant women were enrolled between May 2023 and April 2024.

The cumulative incidence rate of GD was 19.5% (95% CI 15% to 24.6%). Most participants (78%) were from Kigali City. Most participants belong to high-income households (96.5%) and were employed (85%). Risk factors associated with the development of GD included increased body mass index (adjusted relative risk (aRR) 3.2; 95% CI 2.02 to 5.3), a history of macrosomia (aRR 4.9; 95% CI 1.6 to 12) and family history of type 2 diabetes (aRR 4.6; 95% CI 1.3 to 14). Women diagnosed with GD had a significantly higher risk of adverse outcomes, including pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension (aRR 6.7; 95% CI 1.7 to 26) polyhydramnios (aRR 6.4; 95% CI 1.94 to 8.9), postpartum haemorrhage (aRR 3; 95% CI 2.7 to 3.9) and caesarean delivery (aRR 4.9; 95% CI 1.6 to 9.1). Neonatal complications were also common in infants born to mothers with GD, including neonatal hypoglycaemia (aRR 2.2; 95% CI 1.2 to 4.5), neonatal intensive care unit admission (aRR 1.7; 95% CI 1 to 4.6) and macrosomia (aRR 2.3; 95% CI 1.01 to 3.5).

This study provides important data on the cumulative incidence of GD at the KFH in Rwanda and highlights the key maternal and neonatal factors and adverse outcomes associated with the condition. Given the growing global burden of obesity and diabetes, further research and public health education are essential for mitigating the double burden of GD on maternal and neonatal health.