Interpretation of maternal blood glucose during pregnancy at high altitude area, Abha-Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In women who reside at high altitude, fasting plasma glucose is lower than at sea level, and further decrease of fasting blood glucose was noticed during pregnancy. This study aimed to set cutoff level of fasting plasma glucose during pregnancy at high altitude. The obtained data intended for interpretation of gestational blood sugar results and early detection of those who at risk of developing gestational diabetes. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the cutoff level of fasting plasma glucose during pregnancy at high altitude. The subjects were pregnant women who attending the routine antenatal care at Abha Maternity Hospital and Mahayil Aseer Maternity hospital. Plasma glucose concentrations and Body Mass Index (BMI), socio-demographic and obstetric data were entered into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Comparison amongst these variables were carried out through t test (numerical variables) and Chi Square test (proportions). A P value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: The overall results obtained indicated that the fasting plasma glucose concentrations and BMI were significantly lower (p = 0.0001) at high altitude area (Abha) than low altitude area (Mahayil Aseer). Age was the only socio-demographic factor that showed significant difference between the two groups (p-value was <0.05). CONCLUSION: Up to our knowledge, this is the first study addressing the interpretation of fasting blood glucose during pregnancy at high altitude area in Saudi Arabia. Our findings support the importance of careful interpretation of fasting blood glucose of pregnant women who reside at high altitude areas. The implementation of this policy at high altitude areas in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is recommended for early detection of gestational diabetes and timed intervention to avoid complications.