Pregnancy outcome in aboriginal women with NIDDM in the Sioux Lookout Zone

Abstract

Purpose: To review the pregnancy outcomes of Aboriginal women with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) in the Sioux Lookout Zone of Northwestern Ontario, Canada.

Method: Retrospective chart review of deliveries of all women with a confirmed diagnosis of NIDDM was carried out between 1989 and 1992.

Results: During this period, 26 infants were born to 19 women with the diagnosis of NIDDM. Mean birth weight was 4,075 grams, with an average gestational age at delivery of 38 weeks. Three newborns required cesarean delivery, one required forceps, and one a vacuum extraction. There were four cases of shoulder dystocia. There were one stillbirth, one maternal death, and two cases of congenital heart disease. Ten newborns had neonatal jaundice and only two had neonatal hypoglycemia. These results suggest there is significant risk associated with NIDDM in pregnancy.