Correlation of Lipid Profile with Oral Glucose Challenge Test in Pregnant Women

Background: The hormonal and metabolic changes in pregnancy ensure adequate energy supply to the developing fetus but at the same time may affect perinatal outcomes. Oral glucose challenge test (OGCT) is routinely done to assess the glucose tolerance and is used for screening and detecting gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Derangements in lipid metabolism (dyslipidemia) that may occur during pregnancy have been associated with maternal complications like GDM, preeclampsia and preterm birth. Hence the aim of this study was to find the association of lipid profile with glucose tolerance by correlating lipid profile with OGCT. The objectives were to determine lipid profile andglucose tolerance by OGC Tin pregnant women and to correlate lipid profile with OGCT. Material and Methods: Thiscross-sectional study included 100 pregnant women visiting the antenatal clinic. OGCT was done as per Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group (DIPSI) guidelines at 24-28 weeks. Lipid profile was done simultaneously. All estimations were done on Randox Biochemistry autoanalyzer. Results: The mean± SD for OGCT was 113.6±22.5, Total cholesterol 215.1±34.8, Triglycerides 183.5±68.5, Low-density lipoprotein 123.8±28.4, and high-density lipoprotein 55.4±13.4. Pearson's correlation was positive for OGCT and Total cholesterol (r=0.25), Triglycerides (r=0.35), LDL (r= 0 .09), HDL (r=0.09). Conclusion: The changes in lipid metabolism during pregnancy are reflected in the increased levels of lipid profile parameters. The lipid profile is altered during pregnancy and these alterations are associated with OGCT. Thus, dyslipidemia may be associated with GDM and may lead to adverse fetal outcomes. Lipid profile hence could be considered as an additional investigation in routine antenatal checkup.