Abstract:
Objective: To determine the maternal/ fetal outcome
of abnormal glucose tolerance in pregnancy.
Setting : The University Obstetric Unit, De Soysa
Hospital for Women, Colombo.
Design : A retrospective descriptive study.
Method: From July 1998 to November 2000, abnormal
glucose tolerance was detected in 220 pregnant women.
Among them, 24 had established diabetes mellitus and
were excluded from the study. The remaining 196 were
free of previous abnormal glucose tolerance and their
records were analyzed to determine the relationship of
blood sugar control and maternal/ fetal complications.
Results : Blood sugar control on diet was adequate in
78.06%(n=153) subjects, while insulin was also
required by 21.94%(n=43). Pregnancy induced
hypertension appeared in 15.03%(n=23) of the diet
controlled group and 13.95%(n=6) in the insulin
controlled group. Polyhydramnios was seen among
3.27%(n=5) in the diet controlled group and
11.63%(n=5) in the insulin controlled group. The
occurrence of intra uterine growth restriction in the
diet and insulin controlled groups were I4.38%(n=22)
and 23.26%(n=10) respectively. Fetal macrosomia was
seen in 21.57%(n=33) of the diet controlled group
and 25.58%(n=l 1) in the insulin controlled group.
Conclusion: Abnormal glucose tolerance is frequently
associated with maternal and fetal complications. These
complications appear to occur irrespective of the
method of blood sugar control. Therefore vigilant
monitoring is recommended even in those with dietary
management.
