Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus with and without Concomitant Preeclampsia

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and preeclampsia (PE) are common pregnancy complications associated with significant maternal and perinatal morbidity. The coexistence of these conditions may exacerbate adverse outcomes, yet data on their combined impact are limited, particularly in low-resource settings.Aim of the study: To compare maternal and perinatal outcomes in women with GDM with and without concomitant preeclampsia. Methods & MAterials: This hospital-based comparative observational study included 120 pregnant women with GDM, divided into two groups: Group A (GDM with PE, n=60) and Group B (GDM without PE, n=60). Maternal, perinatal, and neonatal outcomes were prospectively recorded and analyzed using SPSS v26. Continuous variables were compared using the Student’s t-test and categorical variables using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Result: Women with GDM and PE had significantly higher rates of labor induction (51.7% vs. 31.7%, p=0.01), preterm delivery (48.3% vs. 18.3%, p<0.001), postpartum hemorrhage (18.3% vs. 7.5%, p=0.02), eclampsia (6.7% vs. 0%, p=0.002), HELLP syndrome (6.7% vs. 0%, p=0.01), and ICU admission (21.7% vs. 3.3%, p<0.001). Neonatal outcomes were also worse, including low birth weight (35% vs. 11.7%, p<0.001), SGA (31.7% vs. 10%, p<0.001), APGAR <7 at 5 min (30% vs. 8.3%, p<0.001), NICU admission (51.7% vs. 15%, p<0.001), and higher rates of hypoglycemia, respiratory distress, birth asphyxia, and sepsis. Conclusion: The coexistence of preeclampsia in GDM pregnancies significantly increases maternal and perinatal morbidity. Early identification, close monitoring, and tailored management strategies are essential to mitigate these risks.