Evaluation of Metabolic Parameters of Gestational Diabetic Patients in Postpartum Period

Aim: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with an increased risk for type 2 DM and metabolic dysfunction after pregnancy. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the metabolic parameters in women with a history of GDM. Methods: In this study, we included a total of 40 patients with high fasting and postprandial glucose levels and abnormal oral glucose tolerance test at 22-28 weeks of pregnancy who attended the endocrinology outpatient clinic between 2011 and 2014. We evaluated the metabolic parameters, weight, height and body mass index (BMI) at six months postpartum. In addition, fasting and postprandial glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), urea, and creatinine levels, spot urine protein-to-creatinine ratio, and lipid profile were analyzed. Results: Postpartum DM was detected in seven patients (17.5%) in the follow-up period. Mean fasting glucose level and HbA1c values were statistically significantly higher in subjects with postpartum diabetes (p=0.001, p=0.005, respectively). Mean BMI, waist circumference, and triglyceride levels were similar between those with and without postpartum diabetes (p=0.521, p=0.607, p=0.240, respectively). Conclusion: In our study, there was no finding predicting postpartum DM in patients with GDM, however, GDM increases the risk of postpartum DM