Status of Serum Cholesterol and Triglycerides in Pregnant Women Diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Owerri, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a glucose intolerance disorder with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. It is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Beyond hyperglycemia, GDM is characterized by metabolic disturbances, including dyslipidemia. Cholesterol and triglyceride abnormalities play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of GDM complications, influencing vascular health, fetal growth, and long-term metabolic risks. Objective: To investigate serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in pregnant women diagnosed with GDM in Owerri, Nigeria, compared to healthy pregnant controls. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional case-control study was conducted among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri. Ninety women diagnosed with GDM and an equivalent number of age-matched apparently healthy subjects who served as the controls were recruited. Five milliliters of venous blood samples were collected, and serum cholesterol and triglycerides were analyzed using enzymatic colorimetric methods. Demographic, anthropometric, and clinical data were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with p<0.05 considered significant. Subgroup analyses by maternal age, BMI, and trimester were also conducted. Results:  Mean serum cholesterol (212.09±43.96) mg/dl and triglyceride (155.64±50.68) mg/dl levels were significantly higher in GDM women compared to controls (105.64±34.00) mg/dl. Total cholesterol was significantly higher in the first and second trimesters (221.03±37.53) mg/dL, (223.90±49.84) mg/dL than in the third (191.33±36.96) mg/dL. Triglyceride levels, however, did not differ significantly across trimesters (p=0.197). Parity-based analysis showed no significant differences in total cholesterol (p = 0.056), or triglycerides (0.388). Subgroup analysis revealed significant increase in total cholesterol in the second trimester compared to the first and third, but a non-significant increase was observed in triglyceride levels across the trimesters. No significant difference was observed based on parity in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Conclusion: Pregnant women with GDM in Owerri exhibit significant dyslipidemia, marked by elevated cholesterol and triglycerides. This suggests that lipid profile evaluation may be an important adjunct in GDM management. Routine screening of cholesterol and triglycerides in GDM patients should be integrated into antenatal care. Early interventions, including dietary modification and close monitoring, are recommended to reduce adverse outcomes.