A review of gestational diabetes mellitus management, risk factors, maternal and neonatal outcomes in two major maternity hospitals in the United Arab Emirates: A report from Dubai

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted in order to explore and analyze the status of gestational diabetes (GDM) amongst pregnant women in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE); a country with high prevalence of diabetes. We aimed to describe GDM-associated risk factors and clinical outcomes of pregnant women and their neonates. Our objective was to contribute to the broader literature on reproductive health disparities and to inform efforts to improve GDM care at our region. METHODS: Chart review of case records were used to collect data on both maternal and neonatal parameters and outcomes during the specified study period from two main maternity hospitals in Dubai. RESULTS: UAE national women with GDM were more prone to be obese or overweight compared to non-UAE women (p < 0.0001, and p < 0.0001 respectively). In addition,UAE nationalwomen withGDMhad higher history ofGDMin previous pregnancies (p < 0.0001) and more family history of diabetes (p < 0.0001). The neonate admission into NICU was significantly associated with cesarean section (p < 0.0001), twins (p < 0.0001), preeclampsia (p = 0.02), receiving MgSO4 (p = 0.02), birth weight less than 2500 g (p < 0.0001), low Apgar scores (p < 0.0001), baby with congenital anomaly (p < 0.0001), and neonatal hypoglycemia (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that pregnant women with GDM who are UAE nationals and have higher parity need to be under special attention during their pregnancy in order to improve both maternal and neonatal outcomes.