Maternal Serum Biomarkers for the Early Prediction of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing because of the worldwide obesity/diabetes epidemic. The complications of untreated GDM affect both the mother and baby and include complications during pregnancy as well as increased risk of subsequent type-2 Diabetes in mother and offspring. Screening for glucose intolerance during pregnancy provides an opportunity to offer management to those women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Standard tests for hyperglycemia in diabetes, such as fasting glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) are not currently recommended for GDM screening. Instead, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is specified, which is invasive, time-consuming, and not easily accessible to many at-risk populations. In this article, we describe a multianalyte maternal serum profile test that incorporates novel glycoprotein biomarkers include endocrine and metabolic hormones like Myokines & cytokines (Adiponectin, Irisin, HCG, Insulin, Ferritin, PAPP-A, Resistin, CRP, Fibronectin, Leptin and SHBG). Further studies are warranted to determine the Reliability of these markers.