MATERNAL SERUM LEPTIN LEVELS IN SUBJECTS WITH GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

Objectives: To determine serum leptin levels and its correlation with pre-pregnancy BMI, BMI, and insulin resistance at 24 - 28 weeks of gestation and before delivery in subjects with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive, longitudinal follow-up study with a control group on 115 pregnant women with GDM and 115 pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) enrolled at 24 - 28 weeks of gestation and completed the study. The subjects' serum leptin levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method at 24 - 28 weeks of pregnancy and before delivery. The clinical characteristics, serum insulin levels, and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were also performed at both study time points. Results: Serum leptin levels in subjects with GDM were significantly higher than those in normal pregnant women at 24 - 28 weeks of gestation and before delivery (p < 0.001). At both study time points, there was a positive correlation between serum leptin levels and pre-pregnancy BMI, maternal weight, serum insulin levels, and HOMA-IR index in subjects with GDM (p < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression showed that pre-pregnancy BMI and serum insulin levels were associated with hyperleptinemia       (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Serum leptin levels were higher in GDM and had a positive correlation with pre-pregnancy BMI, BMI, and insulin resistance at the time of the study. Pre-pregnancy BMI and serum insulin levels were independent factors related to increased serum leptin levels.