The prevalence and risk factors of gestational diabetes mellitus in Turkey: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective: To identify the prevalence and related risk factors of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) based on studies on the condition conducted in Turkey.

Methods: The study is a systematic review and meta-analysis and was conducted over the period November-December 2017 by performing a search of the Turkish and English literature. The international databases were accessed using the keywords "gestational diabetes" and "Turkey" and the national databases were scanned using the word groups, "gestational diabetes", "diabetes in pregnancy", "pregnancy and diabetes," and "pregnancy diabetes". Forty-one complete articles on research carried out in Turkey over the period 2004-2016 and published in 2006-2018 on the prevalence of GDM and/or a reported risk factor were included in the study. Combined percentage calculations were employed to determine GDM prevalence.

Results: It was found in this systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies examined that out of the total of 50,767 pregnant women included in the studies, 3891 had GDM. Based on these data, combined GDM prevalence was calculated as 7.7% (range: 1.9-27.9%). It was observed that the highest combined GDM prevalence was 17.6% in the black Sea Region and the lowest was 5.1% in the Central Anatolian Region. Fourteen risk factors had been reported as statistically significant in the studies included in the systematic review. The most commonly reported of these was advanced maternal age, being overweight prior to pregnancy, gaining weight in pregnancy, diabetes in the family, a history of GDM or giving birth to a large baby.

Conclusions: It was observed in this meta-analysis that the prevalence of GDM in Turkey is notably high and risk factors are similar to what has been reported in current international literature. The continuation of routine screening tests to detect GDM may contribute to controlling the condition while ensuring that risk groups take special preventive measures and mother-child health is protected.

Implications for practice: Results of this study might be used in the organization of prenatal care, especially high-risk pregnant women for GDM. Nursing researchers and health care managers should consider this situation in the implementing of prenatal care serving.

Keywords: Gestational diabetes mellitus; Turkey; health risks; prenatal care; prevalence.