Gestational Diabetes Awareness Is Low Among Low‐Income Pregnant Women Attending a Public Antenatal Clinic in Pune, India

ABSTRACT Objective Gestational Diabetes (GDM) is increasingly common and associated with adverse outcomes, yet awareness remains low in many settings. We examined factors associated with GDM awareness among low and middle‐income pregnant women in India. Methods Pregnant women were enrolled at a government hospital in Pune, India. Participants were asked if they had heard of diabetes and, if so, completed a 12‐item questionnaire assessing knowledge of GDM risk factors, testing and treatment, and consequences. Each correct response scored 1 point; scores of 0–4 were classified as poor awareness, 5–8 as fair, and 9–12 as good. Suboptimal awareness was defined as poor, fair, or no awareness. A multivariable logistic regression was used to assess risk factors for suboptimal awareness. Results Among 368 women, median age was 25 years (IQR 22–29), gestational age 20.4 weeks (IQR 16.5–24.0), BMI 22.8 kg/m 2 (IQR 20–26.9); 33% ( n = 122) were primigravid, 31% ( n = 114) living with HIV, and 11% ( n = 41) had GDM. Among 326 (89%) of women who were aware of diabetes, median GDM awareness score was 9 (IQR 7–10). Overall, 197/368 (54%) women had suboptimal awareness. On multivariable analysis adjusting for residence, gravidity, and BMI, living with HIV (aOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.0–2.8, p = 0.04) and lower socioeconomic status (aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1, 3.2) were independently associated with odds of suboptimal GDM awareness. Conclusions GDM awareness remains suboptimal among low‐income pregnant women in India, particularly among women with HIV. Targeted educational health interventions may improve awareness and reduce long‐term complications.