European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

SERUM LIPID LEVELS IN WOMEN WITH GESTATIONAL DIABETES IN PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA

Fred K. Uwikor*, Davies Tamuno Emine and Kemzi N. Elechi-Amadi

ABSTRACT

Gestational diabetes mellitus is the most common metabolic disorder among pregnant women, and as such it is of great public health concern, especially in a developing economy like Nigeria. It has implications for the health of both mother and foetus. This study evaluates the levels of the serum lipid fractions in GDM subjects. Fifty (50) pregnant women with GDM within the age range of 24 to 44 years and gestational age of 24 to 32 weeks and 25 healthy pregnant without GDM as controls were involved in this study. Those with known pre-gestational diabetes, history or clinical features suggesting chronic liver disease and polycystic ovarian syndrome were excluded from this study. Six millilitres of venous blood was obtained from each subject by standard procedure and the serum obtained was analysed for lipid profile using enzymatic method. It was observed that GDM patients had significantly reduced level of HDL than control subjects, and higher levels of other lipid parameters and also TC/HDL ratio. The results indicate impaired lipid metabolism in GDM subjects. Proper management of lipid metabolism in pregnant women with GDM may prove a useful clinical step in preventing fatal pregnancy outcome for mother and foetus.

Keywords: Lipids, gestational diabetes, Total cholesterol, Port Harcourt.