author(s)
Padmapriya D, Mushrifa Banu N and Nirosha S

abstract
The gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition in which a hormone made by the placenta prevents the body from using insulin effectively. Glucose builds up in the blood instead of being absorbed by the cells. Unlike type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes is not caused by a lack of insulin, but by other hormones produced during pregnancy that can make insulin less effective, a condition referred to as insulin resistance. Present aim of the study was to assess the existing level of knowledge and its risk factors among antenatal mothers who attended antenatal clinic at Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC), Ramapuram. A quantitative approach with descriptive research design was adopted for the present study. A total of 30 antenatal mothers among which (n=30) were recruited by using non probability convenience sampling technique. A Self-structured questionnaire method was used to gather both the demographic data and the existing level of knowledge and its risk factors on gestational diabetes mellitus among antenatal mothers. Outcome of the study results among 30 study participants revealed that, the mean score on existing level of knowledge and its risk factors on gestational diabetes mellitus among antenatal mothers was found to be 3.93 with standard deviation 0.70. Hence the findings of present study concluded that, antenatal mothers had a moderate level of knowledge and its risk factors on gestational diabetes mellitus.