Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a common health problem among pregnant women and may be associated with distress. There is no consensus on the effect of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on health–related quality of life (HRQoL) for the mother in the short or long term. The purpose of this study was to describe changes in patient–reported outcomes in women with GDM and to identify factors associated with increased distress.

Methods: We have done a prospective observational study at Tertiary health care centre over a period of 1 year from June 2016 to May 2017. A total of 150 pregnant women were included in the study and were screened by using OGTT (carpenter and coustans criteria). 28 Pregnant women with positive OGTT (GDM group) 118 with negative OGTT (control group) were surveyed using the Short Form 36 Item Health Survey, demographic data, family history and modality of treatment.

Results: GDM women scored significantly lower for physical component score and mental component score than controls with a significant p value (P < 0.001). Among GDM population better quality of life was reported by women with a very good financial standing, and also by those only treated with diet and OHAs.

Conclusion– In women with GDM, intensified treatment and lack of informational and social support are associated with distress. Acknowledgment of women’s concerns and precise information may improve treatment compliance and outcome. These aspects of GDM care appear to be appropriate targets for future research and interventions aimed at reducing the level of distress in these patients.