High haemoglobin levels in early pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus among Sudanese women.

A longitudinal study was carried out to investigate the prevalence and risk factors (including haemoglobin levels) for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Khartoum, Sudan. The study was carried out at Saad Abuelela Hospital (Khartoum, Sudan) during February to November 2017. Pregnant women in early pregnancy (gestational age <14 weeks) were enrolled in the study. The detailed medical and obstetrics history was recorded for each participant using a questionnaire. The women were then followed up, where a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test was performed at 24 - 28 weeks of gestation. Of 290 women, 259 (89.3%) completed the follow-up. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) of the age, gravidity and gestational age at enrolment were 28.02 (5.7) years, 2.37 (2.42) and 10.86 (2.63) weeks, respectively. Forty-eight women (18.5%) had GDM. Binary regression showed that while age, parity, residence, education and body mass index (BMI) were not associated with GDM, a high haemoglobin level was the only factor associated with GDM (OR = 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07 - 2.16,  = .019). Women with haemoglobin > 10.8 g/dl were at a higher risk of GDM (OR = 2.52, 95% CI = 1.02 - 6.27,  = .044). There is a high prevalence of GDM, especially among women with high haemoglobin levels.Impact statement Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common complications during pregnancy, contributing significantly to maternal, perinatal morbidity and mortality and can lead to adverse consequences for the health of both mother and offspring later in life. The rate of GDM varies with the various settings and populations, and a prevalence of 1-14% has been reported depending on the population studied. High haemoglobin levels were recently reported to be associated with GDM. There is a high prevalence of GDM in Khartoum, Sudan, especially among women with high haemoglobin levels in early pregnancy. Haemoglobin levels could be used as reliable markers to detect GDM. These markers could be used in the prevention of GDM.