I.Introduction.Pregnancy is a delicate stage where maternal adaptation occurs early to provide a good upshot for both the mother and the fetus. These physiological changes occur at different rates throughout the whole body which allow the pregnant woman to accumulate additional energy in preparation for labour and gestation. 16 Fluid retention is one of the most fundamental systemic changes of normal pregnancy which accounts for between 8-10kg of the average maternal weight gain of 11-13kg. Increase in secretion of metabolic hormones during pregnancy particularly thyroxin and adreno-cortical hormones increase the metabolic rate by about 15% during the third trimester. Protein anabolism occurs, blood glucose levels increase and about 3-4 kg of fat is deposited in the maternal body, and this increases blood cholesterol levels. 11,23 Increase in blood cholesterol levels impair insulin-mediated entry of glucose into the cells thus resulting in hyperglycemia of variable severity. 3,4 Pregnancy is usually diabetogenic due to the effects of some pregnancy associated hormones such as cortisol and human chorionic somatomammotropin and 1-14% of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes mellitus. Gestational diabetes mellitus can result from high blood glucose -which is due to the effect of hormones of pregnancy and adipose tissue.1,2 Gestational diabetes is associated with a range of maternal perinatal morbidities and mortality including fetal macrosomia (20%), hyperinsulinaemia and hypoglycaemia, but may also program childhood obesity and adult onset cardiovascular disease and diabetes. 19,20 The incidence of gestational diabetes is still in the increase coupled with long-term pathological consequences it may have on both mother and the child. 17,30 The evaluation of random blood glucose during pregnancy is rapidly recognized so that Hyperglycemia can be effectively managed before metamorphosing to gestational diabetes.
II.Materials and Methodology.
Materials.The following materials were used for the research work; Glucometer using the accu-test active blood glucose monitoring system, blood lancet, Cotton wool and methylated spirit, and 90 subjects pregnant women.
Data Collection.The study was compiled with the ethical committee guidelines of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria. The procedures followed were in accord with the ethical standards of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria with registration number ABUTH/PGO/COMM/0036. The data of ninety pregnant women