Role of first Trimester Maternal Serum Uric Acid Concentration in Prediction of Gestational Diabetes

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), defined as two or more elevated glucose values obtained during a 3-hours oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)(WHO, 1999). It affects between 17-27% of pregnancies depending on diagnostic criteria and population (Gollenberg et al., 2010). GDM is one of the most common medical disorders during pregnancy (Vibeke et al., 2008). GDM is associated with maternal and fetal complications. In order to circumscribe and minimize potential complications to mother and child, screening, diagnosis, and management of hyperglycemia are critical. The screening of disease is recommended for all women especially the high risk group between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy or on the first visit in the latter group. The diagnosis of GDM is based on oral glucose tolerance test. However, a woman with GDM is a woman at high risk of future diabetes. Therefore after the pregnancy, healthy lifestyle measures should be encouraged to minimize the likelihood of developing diabetes, and regular screening for diabetes should be undertaken. Elevated uric acid is associated with both cardiovascular disease events and risk factors, such as hypertension, metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, obesity, and diabetes in non-pregnant adults. Hyperuricemia has also been demonstrated to be a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.