Introduction

Diabetes mellitus (DM) during pregnancy is categorized as Type 1 or Type 2 pre-gestational Diabetes Mellitus (PGDM) and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). Many studies have shown DM during pregnancy affects perinatal outcomes.

Objective

To compare the perinatal respiratory outcomes of pregnancy with uncontrolled (UCDM) and controlled (CDM) based on maternal HbA1c level.

Methodology

A retrospective study involving newborns of women with DM during pregnancy from 1st September 2019 until 29th February 2020. Exclusion criteria were foreigners, termination of pregnancy before 25 weeks, obstetric deliveries and termination of pregnacies due to other underlying maternal illness and unbooked pregnancies. DM is classified as UCDM if HbA1c > 6% and CDM if <6%.

Results

A total of 171 pregnant women with DM; PGDM(39,22.5%) and GDM (134,77.5%); included. They gave birth to 173 newborns. Median maternal age was 33 years(min 19, max 45). There were higher occurence of preterm deliveries (29.3% vs 13.6%), neonates requiring ventilator support (22% vs 3%), neonates on oxygen therapy (29.3% vs 10.6%) and neonatal sepsis (7.5% vs 1.5%) in UCDM compared to CDM. Neonates discharged from hospital by 28 days was higher in UCDM (4.9%) compared to CDM (0). Neonatal mortality was also higher among UCDM than CDM mothers.

Conclusion

Serious perinatal complications like respiratory illnesses, neonatal mortality and increase healthcare costing from prolonged stay can be prevented with good maternal Diabetes Mellitus control.