Development of type 2 diabetes mellitus after gestational diabetes in a cohort in KSA: Prevalence and risk factors

Objectives: KSA has the highest prevalence of diabetes mellitus among Middle Eastern countries with a prevalence range of 21%–24%. Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a well-known risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). GDM is associated with a 7-fold increased risk of T2DM. Thus, this research assessed the prevalence and risk factors associated with the development T2DM in a cohort of patients with GDM in KSA. Methods: The medical records of patients with GDM who visited the outpatient clinics of a tertiary care hospital from 2011 to 2014 were included in this study. Patients with a prior diagnosis of diabetes mellitus before pregnancy and those with GDM who did not have postpartum diabetes screening were excluded. Results: A total of 123 women with GDM and underwent postpartum diabetes screening, 82 (67%) developed T2DM based on follow-up records. Approximately 45% (37/82) of patients who developed T2DM were screened ≤6 months after delivery, whereas 55%(45/82) were screened >6 months after delivery. Older patients, patients who had a higher number of pregnancies (gravidity and parity), and patients with previous GDM were more likely to develop T2DM. Conclusion: In KSA, women who developed GDM, particularly those who are older, multigravid, and multiparous and who have a prior history of GDM, are at an increased risk of developing T2DM. Postpartum diabetes screening of patients with GDM within the recommended period need to be improved. Keywords: Gestational diabetes, Postpartum, Risk factors, Screening, Type 2 diabete