Prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus at Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe: A Screening Study

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with significant maternal and perinatal morbidity and long-term risk of type 2 diabetes, yet universal screening is not consistently implemented in many Nigerian antenatal settings. This study determines the prevalence of GDM among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, Gombe State, North East Nigeria. A cross-sectional screening study enrolled 220 pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks gestation over four months. A 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test was administered, with GDM diagnosed using the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria. Fasting plasma glucose of 5.1 mmol/L or above, one-hour glucose of 10.0 mmol/L or above, or two-hour glucose of 8.5 mmol/L or above were diagnostic thresholds. GDM prevalence was 9.1 percent. Advanced maternal age above 35 years (OR 3.2), pre-pregnancy overweight (OR 2.9), family history of diabetes (OR 2.7), and previous macrosomic delivery (OR 2.4) were significant risk factors. All GDM cases had been unrecognised before study screening, confirming the absence of routine testing. Neonatal macrosomia and preterm delivery rates were significantly higher in GDM-positive women. The study demonstrates a measurable GDM burden at Gombe FTH and recommends universal OGTT between 24 and 28 weeks, dietary management protocols, and postpartum glucose monitoring for all GDM-diagnosed women. Keywords: gestational diabetes mellitus, OGTT, Gombe State, antenatal screening, glucose tolerance