Abstract
The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the developed world has increased at an alarming rate over the last few decades. GDM has been shown to be associated with postpartum diabetes, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. A history of previous GDM (pGDM), associated or not with any of these metabolic abnormalities, can increase the risk of developing not only type 2 diabetes mellitus but also cardiovascular disease (CVD) independent of a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes later in life. In this paper we discuss the relationship among inflammatory markers, metabolic abnormalities, and vascular dysfunction in women with pGDM. We also review the current knowledge on metabolic modifications occurring in normal pregnancy and the link between alterations of a normal metabolic state with the long-term maternal complications that may result in increased CVD risk. Our review of studies on pGDM prompts us to recommend that these women be considered a population at risk for later CVD events, which however could be avoided via the use of specially designed follow-up programs in the future.
Highlights
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is any degree of glucose intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy [1, 2]
In this paper we review the interrelationship among inflammatory markers, metabolic abnormalities, and endothelium dysfunction in previous GDM (pGDM) and discuss whether these women could be considered at risk for cardiovascular disease later in life
Diabetic complications may be in progress during the phase of insulin resistance in pregnancy even in the absence of hyperglycemia, while there is evidence that pGDM is associated with postpartum diabetes, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia
Summary
The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the developed world has increased at an alarming rate over the last few decades. A history of previous GDM (pGDM), associated or not with any of these metabolic abnormalities, can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease (CVD) independent of a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes later in life. In this paper we discuss the relationship among inflammatory markers, metabolic abnormalities, and vascular dysfunction in women with pGDM. Our review of studies on pGDM prompts us to recommend that these women be considered a population at risk for later CVD events, which could be avoided via the use of specially designed follow-up programs in the future
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