Plasma homocysteine and other biochemical parameters in gestational Diabetes Mellitus

ABSTRACT

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus [GDM] is characterized by glucose intolerance that is first diagnosed during pregnancy. Insulin resistance is the hallmark of gestational diabetes, little is known about the other metabolic changes taking place. Plasma homocysteine [Hcy] levels have been reported associated with cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Elevated Hcy levels are associated with pregnancy complications and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The objective of the present study was to compare plasma levels of Homocysteine and other biochemical parameters in women diagnosed with GDM attending Gulf Medical College Hospital with that in normal pregnant women. Prospective study of pregnant women GDM [N = 26] was confirmed by the oral glucose tolerance test. Normal pregnant women served as control group [N = 36]. Fasting plasma Glucose [mg/dL] level and Body mass index [kg/m[2]] of the GDM group was significantly higher compared to the control group. serum total cholesterol level was found to be significantly higher [P<0.00] in GDM [230.77 +/- 27.21 mg /dL] compared to contral [181.53 +/- 17.09]. Serum Triacylglycerol, Uric acid and Creatinine were also significantly elevated [P < 0.001] in the GDM group compared to control even though all values lay within the normal reference ranges. Hcy level in GDM was significantly higher [19.073 +/- 3.61 micro mol/L] compared to controls [8.322 +/- 1.94], P<0.001. Homocysteine, Cholesterol, Triacylglycerol, Uric acid and Creatinine levels were significantly elevated in GDM compared to normal pregnant women. Hcy correlated strongly with the fasting glucose levels [Pearson correlation, r = 0.9]