Association Between Age, Body Mass Index, and Lipid Profile in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Nigeria

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a pregnancy-related metabolic disorder characterized by glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. It is associated with dyslipidemia and increased risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Understanding the relationship between risk factors such as age, body mass index (BMI), and lipid profile alterations is essential for improved clinical management. Methods: A hospital-based case–control study was conducted involving 160 women aged 18–40 years at 24–28 weeks of gestation. Participants included 60 women with GDM, 50 non-diabetic pregnant controls (Control1), and 50 non-diabetic non-pregnant controls (Control2). Subjects were recruited from selected tertiary hospitals in Kaduna State, Nigeria. GDM screening was performed using a 50 g oral glucose challenge test (OGCT) followed by a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Approximately 5 mL of venous blood was collected for biochemical analysis of lipid profile parameters using standard laboratory methods. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests, with significance set at p <0.05. Results: Total cholesterol (TC) levels were significantly elevated in GDM and Control1 groups compared to Control2 in OGCT samples (p <0.05). In OGTT (2-hour post-load) analysis, TC was unexpectedly higher in Control2 than in GDM subjects. Triglyceride (TG) levels were significantly increased in GDM and Control1 groups in fasting and 2-hour OGTT samples compared to Control2 (p <0.05). No significant differences were observed in TG levels in OGCT samples. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was consistently higher in GDM subjects compared to both control groups across OGCT and OGTT assessments. Overall, lipid profile alterations were more pronounced in GDM, although patterns varied across test modalities. Conclusion: Women with gestational diabetes mellitus exhibit significant dyslipidemic changes, particularly elevated LDL-C and triglycerides, which may contribute to increased cardiometabolic risk. Age and body mass index likely modulate these lipid alterations, underscoring the importance of early metabolic screening and risk stratification in pregnancy.