Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent condition with potential repercussions on glucose metabolism and possibly on various hematological parameters. Exploring these alterations provides insights into the systemic manifestations and implications for maternal and neonatal health.

Aims and Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to assess the hematological variations observed in maternal and cord blood between GDM mothers and non-GDM counterparts. Furthermore, based on these hematological markers, we sought to evaluate the potential ramifications of GDM on maternal and neonatal health. Another goal was to contrast the hematological features in newborns born to GDM mothers with those born to non-GDM mothers.

Materials and Methods: A case–control study was conducted at MES Medical College, Central Research Department in Perinthalmanna, Kerala. Pregnant women from the Malappuram district admitted to the labor ward and met the inclusion criteria were involved. The study enrolled 100 GDM pregnant women as cases and 50 healthy pregnant women as controls. Hematological analysis was performed on maternal venous blood samples and cord blood samples, evaluated at the Central Laboratory of MES Medical College. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 20.

Results: Significant hematological variations were observed between the two groups. Maternal blood of GDM patients showed a higher red blood cell (RBC) count and differences in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) compared to controls. Cord blood samples from GDM neonates reflected elevated RBC, MCV, and MCH levels, with a pronounced white blood cells count higher than non-GDM neonates. Several parameters, including hemoglobin, MCH concentration, and platelet counts, remained consistent across groups.

Conclusion: The study highlights the systemic impact of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on hematological parameters in mothers and newborns, but its clinical implications are still unknown. Future multi-center, longitudinal research will help understand these changes’ long-term health implications.

Key words: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus; Hematological Parameters; Maternal Health; Neonatal Health; Proinflammatory State; Intrauterine Metabolic Environment