The Neutrophil/Lymphocyte and Platelet/Lymphocyte Ratios of Pregnant Women Who Underwent the 75-g Oral Glucose Tolerance Test to Predict Gestational Diabetes

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common medical complications of pregnancy. Early diagnosis and treatment are important; the condition can cause both maternal and foetal complications. Today, single-/double-bolus oral 50–100-g glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) are preferred. We explored whether the peripheral blood platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and/or neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) could guide diabetes screening of a target group (rather than all pregnant women).
 Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of Sanko University Hospital from January 2010 to January 2020. Pregnant women in gestational weeks 24 to 28 who underwent 75-g OGTTs were included. Patients were evaluated by dividing them into two groups. Group 1 included 300 women with GDM. Group 2 included 300 healthy pregnant women who were negative on the OGTT test. We retrieved patient ages, gestational weeks, all blood count data derived during pregnancy, fasting blood glucose levels, heights and weights, and body mass indices. 
 Results: Leukocyte and neutrophil counts were significantly higher in the diabetic patient group than in the control group (both p < 0.01). The NLR and PLR differed significantly between the two groups (both p < 0.01), but the demographic data did not. 
 Conclusion: Increase in white blood cell count, and elevations in the PLR and NLR, independently predicted GDM. Blood NLR and PLR can also be used as a GDM screening test. The NLR and PLR (markers of inflammation) were significantly increased in pre-diabetic and diabetic patients. The NLR and PLR may usefully predict pre-diabetes and GDM.