Gestational diabetes among pregnant women

Diabetes gestacional en mujeres embarazadas

Introduction: Gestational diabetes (GD) is a public health issue; its prevalence varies according to diagnostic method, and geographic location, but thanks to early screening between weeks 24 and 28, preventing and treating GD and its complications is possible.  Objective: to estimate the prevalence of GD and risk factors in pregnant women who attended the antenatal care clinic from 2018 to 2022. Methodology: a descriptive cross-sectional study using a medical records review in a primary care health institution. Results: 175 pregnant women aged between 15 and 45 years were included. The prevalence of GD was 7.4% with a 95% CI [3.52-11.28%]. Mean age was 24.7 ± 5.9 years, 64% were in the youth phase of their life-course and 15.4% became pregnant when teenagers; 72.6% were Colombian and 27.4% were Venezuelan. The family life cycle was in the formation facet in 40%. The pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) was the only statistically significant factor (P < 0.01). The importance of preconception consultation is underscored, for playing a crucial role in both mother and baby´s health by providing the opportunity to address and manage various risk factors before conception. Conclusion: the prevalence of GD in Mosquera, Colombia, was like the overall national prevalence. Women of childbearing age risk factor control strategies are required to prevent the risk of developing GD and its short, medium and long-term complications.