Inflammation and Glycemic Tolerance Status in Pregnancy: The Role of Maternal Adiposity

<b><i>Background/Aims:</i></b> Although the<b> </b>association between inflammation and insulin resistance is well known, the data related to the role of inflammation in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are conflicting. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of several inflammatory mediators with the glycemic status in pregnancy. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Leukocyte count, ferritin, C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen and interleukin-6 levels were measured in 70 patients with normal glucose tolerance, in 57 patients with impaired glucose tolerance and in 35 patients with GDM as determined based on 50-gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and 100-gram OGTT results. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A significant difference among the groups was seen only with regard to CRP and fibrinogen levels; however, no significant differences were observed after adjustment for body mass index (BMI). CRP was found to be strongly associated with current BMI in all three groups. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Maternal serum levels of inflammatory mediators are not related to GDM at the time of the glucose challenge test in the late second or early third trimester. The significant difference in the levels of CRP in different strata of glycemic tolerance was not observed after adjustment for BMI. Adiposity may have a central role in GDM, causing an inflammatory response.