Abstract:
Introduction: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has emerged as a significant global public health concern
due to its association with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. The aim of the study was to assess the
effects of GDM on maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted among 216 pregnant women diagnosed with GDM who
were receiving care at Teaching Hospital Jaffna. Women with pre-existing diabetes were excluded from the
study. Participants were followed from the time of GDM diagnosis until six weeks postpartum. Data were
collected using structured questionnaires and a review of clinical records. Descriptive statistics were used to
summarize the demographic and clinical characteristics. The chi-square test was used to assess the
association between blood glucose control and adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. A p-value ≤0.05
was considered statistically significant.
Results: The majority of participants (61.1%; n = 132) were aged 35 years or older. More than two-thirds of
the participants (67.6%; n=146) were obese. The majority were multiparous (62%; n = 134), and GDM was
diagnosed during the second trimester of pregnancy (61.1%; n = 132). A total of 17 mothers (7.9%)
experienced a miscarriage during the current pregnancy. Maternal and neonatal complications were
reported in 60 (27.8%) and 29 (14.6%) cases, respectively. A significant association was found between blood
glucose control and both maternal (p<0.001) and neonatal complications (p=0.007).
Conclusion: Despite the provision of multidisciplinary antenatal care for diabetes, women with GDM remain
at increased risk for maternal and neonatal complications. Greater emphasis is required on targeting
modifiable risk factors, particularly by enhancing adherence to diabetes management strategies during
pregnancy.
