Association Of Raised First Trimester Serum Uric Acid Levels With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a significant metabolic disorder during pregnancy that can lead to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Early identification and intervention are crucial for mitigating these risks. Hyperuricemia, an elevated level of serum uric acid, has been linked to GDM in various studies. This study aimed to evaluate the association between elevated serum uric acid levels during the first trimester and the subsequent development of GDM.
Objective: To investigate the link between elevated serum uric acid levels in the first trimester of pregnancy and the progression to gestational diabetes mellitus.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at Lady Willingdon Hospital, Lahore, over nine months. A total of 180 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria were recruited and divided equally into two groups: Group A (primigravida) and Group B (multigravida). Serum uric acid levels were measured during the first trimester (<14 weeks), and all participants underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) during the second trimester (24-28 weeks) to diagnose GDM. Data, including age, serum uric acid, and OGTT results, were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Quantitative variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation, and comparisons between groups were made using the student’s t-test. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The mean age of participants was 26.13±4.72 years. The mean serum uric acid level was 6.03±0.70 mg/dL, while the mean OGTT fasting, 1-hour, and 2-hour values were 107.34±8.70 mg/dL, 148.49±19.40 mg/dL, and 163.02±19.34 mg/dL, respectively. GDM was diagnosed in 108 (60%) participants, with a higher prevalence in multigravida (62.2%) compared to primigravida (57.8%). Elevated serum uric acid levels were significantly associated with GDM (p < 0.0001).
Conclusion: Elevated serum uric acid levels during the first trimester are significantly associated with an increased risk of developing GDM. Early identification of hyperuricemia could serve as a potential predictive marker for GDM.