Gestational diabetes mellitus and its association with ABO blood group type among pregnant women with pregnancy-induced hypertension in Northwest Ethiopia: A comparative study

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a form of diabetes occurring during pregnancy in non-diabetic women, can lead to complications such as preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and cesarean section delivery. This study aimed to investigate the incidence of GDM and its association with blood group type among pregnant women with pregnancy-induced hypertension in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in Northwest Ethiopia from December 2021 to April 2022, involving 240 pregnant women. Convenience sampling was used to select 120 women diagnosed with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and 120 women without PIH. Data on demographics, dietary habits, and BMI were collected using a structured questionnaire, and blood samples were analyzed for glucose levels. Statistical analysis was performed with a 95 % confidence interval. Results: Among the total of 240 pregnant women included in the study, 16.25 % (95 % CI: 18.3-34.6) were diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus. Of these, 12.9 % had pregnancy-induced hypertension, while 3.35 % did not have pregnancy-induced hypertension. Several risk factors were identified for the development of GDM, including a BMI greater than 25 kg/m2, rural residence, family history of diabetes, previous history of GDM, blood types AB and O, and Rh positive. Conclusions: The study findings demonstrate a significantly higher incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus among pregnant women with pregnancy-induced hypertension (25.8 %) compared to those without pregnancy- induced hypertension (6.7 %). These results highlight the importance of considering blood group type and other identified risk factors in assessing the risk and management of GDM in pregnant women with pregnancy-induced hypertension.