Prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus among women attending antenatal care at public health centers in Rwanda

Aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) among women attending public health centers in Rwanda using the World Health Organization (WHO) 2013 diagnostic criteria. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed on 281 pregnant women attending antenatal care at urban and rural public health centers. Diagnostic testing was performed between 24 and 32 weeks gestation using a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Venous plasma glucose was centrifuged within one hour and measured at one of two laboratories. Descriptive statistics were used. Results: GDM prevalence was 3.2%, (4.28% urban and 2.13% rural). Women diagnosed with GDM were older, had higher BMI hypertension, and glycosuria of ≥2+. None with HIV (14/281) had GDM. All women reported birth outcomes. All women with GDM (9/281) had normal glucose values postpartum and therefore it is unlikely that any women had overt diabetes. Conclusion: This study adds important information about the GDM prevalence in Rwanda, which is a resource-limited country. Although the prevalence of 3.2% was low, significant risk factors for GDM were identified. We anticipate that the risk factors for developing GDM will increase in the near future, similar to the global trend of obesity and diabetes, necessitating continued research and education in this important condition that carries a double burden of disease to both mothers and infants.