EFFECT OF ANTENATAL BETAMETHASONE ON BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS OF PATIENTS WITHOUT GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS (GDM)

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of hyperglycemia in hospitalized pregnant non-diabetic females due to risk of threatened pre-term delivery receiving betamethasone.

Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in Lady Aitchison Hospital Lahore from April 2024 to October 2024. We included 128 non-diabetic women in whom betamethasone was given due to the risk of threatened abortion between the gestational age of 24 to 33 weeks. In all patients, Betamethasone 12 mg was given intramuscularly, followed by a second 12 mg dose 24 hours after the first dose. After administration of 2^nd dose, fasting blood sugar levels were performed after 24 hours to determine the frequency of hyperglycemia (fasting blood sugar levels ≥90 mg/dL).

Results: The mean age of included patients was 31.6±6.1 years. Mean gestational age at the time of ACS administration was 28.3±2.3 weeks. Mean body mass index (BMI) of patients was 29.8±2.5 Kg/m². Out of 128 patients, hyperglycemia was diagnosed in 83 (64.84%) patients.

Conclusion: Hyperglycemia is a common complication in non-diabetic patients receiving ACS. So regular monitoring of blood sugar levels should be performed in patients receiving ACS