Okorie Hope, Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi and Anaebo Queen Braxton N
This study was conducted to investigate some haematological parameters in pregnant women with Gestational Diabetes at FMC, Owerri, Imo state. Seventy (70) pregnant women were recruited in the study of which fifty (50) are suffering from gestational diabetes, while twenty (20) are normal pregnant women serving as the control. Haematoloical parameters were determined using standard haematological procedures, data obtained from the study were analysed using the SSPS package. Haemoglobin concentration was significantly (p<0.05) higher in gestational diabetic women (11.49 ± 1.01g/dl) when compared with the control subjects (normal healthy pregnant women) (10.7 ± 0.75 g/dl)). PCV in gestational diabetic women (33.84 ± 3.26%) was significantly (p<0.05) higher when compared to controls (32.06 + 2.15%). Platelet count was significantly (p<0.05) higher in gestational diabetic women (512.52 ± 106.76 × 109/L) when compared to the control subjects (197.60 ± 77.62 × l09/L). The mean value of TWBC was significantly higher (p <0.05) in gestational diabetic women (8.07 ± 2.01 × 109/L) when compared with the control subject (5.38 ± 1.89 × 109/L). Neutrophil count was significantly (p<0.05) higher in gestational diabetic women (53.04 ± 9.99%) when compared to controls (43.60 ± 6.24%). There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in the mean value of eosinophil count in gestational diabetic women (0.28 + 0.54%) when compared with the control subjects (0.20 + 0.41%). Basophils were not seen in gestational diabetic women and the control subjects. Lymphocyte count was significantly (p<0.05) r educed in gestational diabetic women (45.78 ± 09.92%) when compared with the control subject (56.70 + 5.32%). There was no statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in the mean value of lymphocyte count in gestational diabetic women (0.10 + 0.00%) when compared with the control subjects (0.30 + 0.00%). In conclusion, gestational diabetes has a significant effect on some haematological parameters.
