Prevalence of gestational diabetes in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of gestational diabetes and associated risk factors in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Goma city, Idjwi, Ngungu and Rutshuru districts between April 2019 and February 2021. Pregnant women between 24–28 weeks of amenorrhea who consented to participate in the study were included. Blood sugar, anthropometric parameters and obstetrical and family history were studied. Gestational diabetes was defined as blood glucose level between 92 and 125 mg/dL. RESULTS: The overall prevalence was 21.2% (n = 391) and was higher in Rutshuru [27.2% (n = 92)] and Goma [26.9% (n = 134)] compared to Ngungu [10.0% (n = 110)] (p = 0.005). An increased risk was associated with a history of a newborn weighing ≥ 4000 g [OR 2.4 95% CI (1.3 – 4.4)] or family diabetes [OR 2.9 95% CI (2.0 – 4.9)]. Median age in the pathological group was not different from that with normal blood glucose [25.0 (16.0 – 44.0) Vs 26.0 (16.0 – 44.0)] (p = 0.67). The prevalence tended to increase for pregnant women with a mid-upper arm circumference ≥ 280 mm [28.1% (n = 57)] Vs [19.3% (n = 322)] if < 280 mm, [OR (95% CI)] [1.5 (0.9—2.3)] (p = 0.13). CONCLUSION: Gestational diabetes was found in one out of five pregnant women regardless their age. A history of macrosomia birth and diabetes in the family were the main risk factors. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04970-y.