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Access Type

Open Access

Document Type

thesis

Degree Program

Public Health

Degree Type

Master of Science (M.S.)

Year Degree Awarded

2012

Month Degree Awarded

September

Keywords

gestational diabetes mellitus, GDM, cord blood lipids, prospective, maternal lipids, cardiometabolic risk GDM

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a pregnancy-induced metabolic disorder that affects 2-10% of pregnancies poses future risk for diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular disease in mother and child. However, few prospective studies have examined the effect of GDM on altered maternal and cord blood lipids, specifically HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol, both during and after pregnancy. We have evaluated the association between GDM and lipid metabolism in pregnant mothers and their infants using data from a prospective cohort study conducted at Baystate Medical Center’s Wesson Women and Infant’s Unit. GDM was assessed prenatally by 3-hr GTT blood samples and was confirmed by obstetrician review. Lipids were assessed via fasting and non-fasting blood samples obtained during 3-hr GTTs performed at 24-28 weeks of gestation and 6-8 weeks post-partum. Data for covariates were collected via an interview form administered at the time of recruitment. We used multivariable linear regression to evaluate the association between GDM status and maternal lipids during and after pregnancy as well as cord lipids. These study results inform future research on GDM as a risk factor for future metabolic disorders in mother and child.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7275/3284800

First Advisor

Brian W. Whitcomb

Second Advisor

Lisa Chasan-Taber

COinS