Mean platelet volume in women with gestational diabetes

Abstract

Purpose: Mean platelet volume (MPV) is an indicator of platelet activation which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to compare MPV values in patients with previous gestational diabetes (pGDM), who have different degrees of carbohydrate intolerance with that in women without pGDM; and to retrospectively analyze MPV in these women during pregnancy. Material and Method: One hundred and five consecutive women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and 40 women with negative screening for GDM were studied. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in MPV between women with pGDM and health controls. Although not significant, women with pGDM developing type 2 diabetes had elevated levels of MPV compared to their normoglycemic counterparts (p=0.092). MPV was positively correlated with fasting glucose levels (r=0.215, p=0.009). During pregnancy, the mean platelet volume was significantly higher in women with GDM than in healthy pregnant controls (p<0.05). Discussion: Our results suggest that alterations in MPV levels are associated with diabetic state rather than underlying insulin resistance.