Evaluation of Random Blood Glucose Levels of Apparently Healthy Pregnant Women in Kaduna State, North West, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy can be associated with some changes in normal body functions. An abnormal rise in blood glucose levels is associated with several complications, especially during pregnancy. This study was conducted in somehospitals in Kaduna Metropolis and was aimed at evaluating glucose levels in pregnant
women. Methodology: Random blood glucose (RBG) was measured in 150 pregnant and 72 non-pregnant women, using the glucose oxidase method. Each participant consented to take part in the study, which was conducted according to the Helsinki guiding principles for research. Results: The RBG Mean ± SEM (3.89 ± 0.27, 4.87 ± 0.14, 6.66 ± 0.11 mmol/L) grouped according to first, second and third trimesters were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). Mean Body Mass Index (BMI) of the pregnant women was significantly higher 28.88±0.33 kg/m2 than the non-pregnant women (controls) 24.28±0.25 kg/m2 (p<0.05). Pregnant women had significantly higher RBG levels (5.76 + 0.12 mmol/L) than the controls (4.56 + 0.16 mmol/L). However, the BMI of the second and third trimesters were found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). In addition, based on age groups, the Mean±SEM of RBG was found to be significantly higher in pregnant women > 26 years (6.10 ± 0.19 mmol/L) when compared with group ≤ 20 years (5.9 ±0.23mmol/l) (p<0.05). There was a significant correlation between mean values of RBG and age group (r=0.162, p<0.05)) as well as with BMI (r=0.270, p< 0.01). Conclusion: Our study revealed that RBG concentration is significantly higher in pregnant women than non-pregnant women.