Gestational diabetes: Risk factors, development, and perinatal outcomes: A survey at the University hospital Mustapha Bacha, Algiers (Algeria)

Despite the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes and the need for an earlier diagnosis and a better management strategy, gestational diabetes (GD) is still poorly supported in our country despite the rate of overweight and high multiparity. It is therefore urgent to assess and implement preventive measures and treatment of this disease. Our study aims to determine the importance of risk factors of GD through a case-control study conducted at the Mustapha Bacha university hospital, Algiers (Algeria) and to identify predictors of GD. Thus 150 women with GD were compared to 300 non GD pregnancies (controls). These women were monitored both by the obstetrical and diabetology units. The average age, family history of diabetes, especially among mothers, and obesity family are significantly higher in GD, as well as obstetric history such as macrosomia or hydramnios. The prevalence of familial hypertension is not significantly different. Patients with GD had more personal history of obesity and hypertension. Multiparity is a significant risk factor regardless of age. This study confirms the classical data on predictive risk factors for GD inciting to a preventive strategy, and confirms the critical importance to engage in a more structured and effective multidisciplinary management of GD to reduce perinatal morbidity and mortality. © 2009 - Elsevier Masson SAS.