Association of sex hormone binding globulin with gestational age and parity in gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Objective

Recent research on sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) has emphasized its role in the prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) development. SHBG is associated with glucose tolerance status, and its level is regulated by prenatal and perinatal factors during pregnancy. This study aimed to determine the levels of SHBG in pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance and those with GDM in association with parity and gestational age (weeks).

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional study enrolled 218 pregnant women (165 controls and 53 women with GDM). Serum SHBG levels were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The association of SHBG with gestational age was assessed using multivariate regression analysis after adjustment for GDM-related risk factors.

Results

Parity sub-group analyses indicated the presence of significant differences in the SHBG levels between nulliparous women in the GDM and control groups (p = .04). Moreover, in the GDM group, SHBG was significantly associated with gestational age beyond the risk factors of GDM.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated a strong association between SHBG and gestational age in women with GDM. Our findings suggest that parity and gestational age should be considered in the analysis of SHBG as a marker for GDM diagnosis.

Keywords:

• Gestational diabetes mellitus
• sex hormone binding globulin
• parity
• gestational age (weeks)
• pregnancy
• glucose tolerance status

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to their colleagues who provided expertise that greatly assisted this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).