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.

Objectives: To explore the geographic determinants of gestational diabetes in eastern DRC and to seek confounding factors. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study with a multicenter analytical aim conducted in the hot and cold season from April 2019 to February 2021. Included were 392 pregnant women at 24-28 weeks of amenorrhea. Blood glucose, cortisol, SO2, anthropometric measurements, 30 previous day’s temperature, altitude and atmospheric pressure (atm) were examined. The glycaemia ≥92mg/dL was pathological, in which case cortisolaemia was measured after matching with normal glycaemia. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 by calculating median, proportion, ANOVA, Pearson's Chi2 or Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon -Mann–Whitney test. Results: The proportion of 23.8%, 37.4%, 13.8% and 25.0% of 392 pregnant women lived respectively at the altitude of 1400 m, 1500m, 1700m and 2419m. Pathological glycaemia was twice higher at < 1700 m = atm > 82% [32.9% (n = 295)] Vs ≥ 1700 m [15.0% (n = 295)] [OR 2.2 95% CI (1.5- 3.2)] (p<0.001)] and at SO2 > 95% [30.8% (n= 331)] Vs SO2 ≤ 95% [15.3% (n= 144)] [OR 2.0 95% CI (1.3 - 3.1)] (p < 0.001). Cases with pathological glycaemia had elevated cortisol [281.1 nmol/L (87.6)] (n=118) Vs normal glycaemia [261.1 nmol/L (71.1)] (n= 156)] (p= 0.024). Conclusion: The prevalence of pathological glycaemia was higher at <1700 m altitude corresponding to the atm > 82% and when the SO2 was >95%. After adjustment, blood glucose was no longer correlated with temperature.

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. Were included, pregnant women between 24 to 28 weeks of amenorrhea who consented to participate in the study. Blood sugar, anthropometric parameters and obstetrical and family history were studied. Gestational diabetes was defined as blood glucose level between 92 and 125mg/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 ≥ 4000g [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: Gestattional diabetes was found in one out of five pregnant women regardless their age. The history of macrosomia birth and diabetes in the family were the main risk factors.