Cholesterol Abnormalities are Common in Women with Prior Gestational Diabetes

Abstract

Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a common medical condition that is associated with substantial increase in risk of maternal and perinatal complications. Perinatal complications include macrosomia, birth injuries and long-term adverse effects of health such as impaired glucose tolerance, obesity and impaired intellect. The primary objective was to investigate the prevalence of persisting diabetes and high cholesterol in postpartum women with prior Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). Method: All women with a diagnosis of GDM who delivered from April 2010 to 30 June 2012, at Joondalup Health Campus were included in the study. On the postnatal ward women were given an appointment to attend a diabetes follow up clinic at 6-12 weeks postpartum. They were provided with a pathology request for a glucose tolerance test, fasting cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C and HDL and cardiac risk ratio. Data were extracted from files and were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Of 4970 women delivering, 168 (3.4%) were diagnosed with GDM, of whom 136 attended for postpartum review (85%) at 6-12 weeks. Persisting glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes were diagnosed in 16% and 6% of the patients. High cholesterol was identified in 54% and 50% had high LDL-C levels. Additionally, 13% of GDM women had high triglyceride levels. Conclusions: Women with GDM have high rates of persisting glucose abnormalities at 6-12 weeks postpartum and half have abnormalities in cholesterol levels. Overall, these findings suggest that women with previous GDM are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and early postnatal intervention should be offered.