Relation of glucose control in diabetic pregnancy to fetal cholesterol homeostasis

Abstract

Objective. To determine the impact of maternal diabetic glucose control on fetal cholesterol homeostasis.

Methods. Singleton pregnancies of 150 women complicated by gestational (n = 90) and pre-gestational (n = 60) diabetes were evaluated. Those with insulin-requiring diabetes had fasting blood glucose levels determined daily during the last 4 weeks of pregnancy and weekly fasting glucose values were obtained in those with A1 (diet-controlled) gestational diabetes. Umbilical cord venous serum was collected at delivery and total cholesterol levels were determined.

Results. Among the 150 women, 69 had A1 gestational diabetes and 81 were insulin-requiring. Fasting glucose levels were inversely correlated (p < 0.001) to gestational age, regardless of diabetes classification. Umbilical serum cholesterol levels were inversely related (p < 0.002) to gestational age and weight, but did not vary according to diabetic classification. Among term infants (n = 110), umbilical serum cholesterol levels were inversely related to maternal fasting glucose levels at 4 weeks (p = 0.006) and 2 weeks (p = 0.006) before delivery.

Conclusion. Maternal hyperglycemia is associated with decreased plasma fetal cholesterol levels in term infants.

Keywords:

• Diabetes
• gestational diabetes
• cholesterol
• fetal cholesterol