Postpartum hyperglycemia and pregnancy outcomes among women in Arusha Region, Tanzania
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Date
2022
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AJOL
Abstract
Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus is a medical condition that disappears after delivery if
early diagnosis and management are done. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of
hyperglycemia six weeks postpartum and pregnancy outcomes among women in Arusha City.
Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted between March and December 2018 as part of a large
study which involved 468 randomly selected pregnant women and excluded those who were
diagnosed with diabetes before pregnancy. Women were screened for hyperglycemia six weeks
postpartum where fasting and oral glucose tolerant tests were done by Gluco-PlusTM using World
Health Organization criteria. Body fat percentage, mid-upper arm circumference, height and weight
were measured using standard procedures. Postpartum information was collected using a structured
questionnaire and data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science version 20 to
obtain descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: Among 468 women who participated in the study at baseline, 392 (83.7%) returned for
postpartum assessments. Postpartum hyperglycemia among women was 2.1% (n=8) and majority had
normal delivery (92.6%, n=363) while 7.4% (n=29) delivered through caesarean section. About 8.2%
(n=32) of the newborn were macrosomia and 4.1% (n=16) low birth weight. Miscarriages or abortions
were not identified while stillbirth was observed in 0.5% (n=2) and neonatal death (1.3%, n=5).
Postpartum hyperglycemia was significantly associated with body fat percentage (AOR 1.59, 95% CI:
1.14-1.91), mid-upper arm circumference (AOR 1.62, 95% CI: 1.023-1.99), macrosomia (AOR 2.43, 95% CI:
2.2-10.31) and family history of type 2 diabetes (AOR 6.4, 95% CI: 1.93-13.3).
Conclusion: Prevalence of postpartum hyperglycemia was generally low however; it was significantly
associated with macrosomia, increased body fat percentage, mid-upper circumference and family
history of type 2 diabetes. Also, a low prevalence of poor pregnancy outcomes was reported which
may be attributed to actions taken after being referred for further treatments and management
which need further exploration.
Description
Tanzania Journal of Health Research
Volume 23, Number 4, October 2022
Keywords
Postpartum Hyperglycemia, Pregnancy Outcomes, Arusha, Tanzania