Biochemical and Lipid Profile Alterations in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common metabolic disorder in pregnancy and is associated with maternal and neonatal complications. While hyperglycemia is the hallmark of GDM, concurrent lipid alterations may play an important role in disease progression and outcomes.

Aim: To assess biochemical and lipid profile alterations in women with GDM compared to healthy pregnant controls.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, MGM Medical College and Hospital, Aurangabad. Seventy-seven pregnant women with GDM (diagnosed by 75g OGTT with fasting and 75g glucose after 120 mins at 24-28 weeks) and 77 age-matched healthy pregnant women were recruited. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for glucose, insulin, and lipid profile parameters. LDL and VLDL levels were calculated using Friedewald’s formula. Statistical comparisons were performed using Student’s t-test and chi-square test, with p<0.05 considered significant.

Results: 75g glucose after 120 mins (158.6 ± 12.7 vs 121.3 ± 10.4 mg/dL, p<0.001), and fasting insulin (13.6 ± 3.1 vs 9.2 ± 2.4 µIU/mL, p<0.001). Lipid parameters were also significantly altered, with higher total cholesterol (206.1 ± 14.2 vs 183.7 ± 8.4 mg/dL, p<0.001), triglycerides (175.4 ± 10.8 vs 158.3 ± 7.3 mg/dL, p<0.001), and VLDL-C (35.1 ± 2.2 vs 31.7 ± 1.5 mg/dL, p<0.001), and lower HDL-C (43.2 ± 5.4 vs 47.6 ± 5.6 mg/dL, p<0.001). LDL-C showed no significant difference.

Conclusion: GDM is associated with significant biochemical and lipid profile derangements, including hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, and reduced HDL-C. Routine lipid monitoring during pregnancy may help in identifying high-risk women and preventing adverse outcomes.