Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Evaluation of Hepatic Glucose Production in a Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Mouse Model
Published on: March 5, 2022
Increased cholesterol intake in women with gestational diabetes mellitus
J M González-Clemente1, O Carro, I Gallach
1Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital de Sabadell, Institut Universitari Parc Taulí Sabadell, Parc Tauli s/n, 08208 Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain. jmgonzalez@cspt.es
Aim:
Cholesterol intake is associated with the risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus, but no previous studies have evaluated its role regarding the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We investigate the relation between cholesterol intake and GDM.
Methods:
At screening for GDM, 335 pregnant women were evaluated for dietary intake (including cholesterol) during the previous year (validated food-frequency questionnaire).
Results:
Forty-one women were diagnosed with GDM and 294 did not meet the GDM criteria. Women with GDM were older (32.8+/-0.7 vs. 30.2+/-0.3 years; P=0.01) and had a higher body mass index (27.3+/-0.7 vs. 24.3+/-0.3 kg/m2; P=0.01) than women without GDM. They also had more frequently a family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (51.2% vs. 40.0%; P=0.02) and history of previous GDM (14.6% vs. 1.7%; P=0.01), and were evaluated earlier in pregnancy (22.1+/-1.2 vs. 24.9+/-0.5 weeks; P=0.03). There were no significant differences between groups in smoking habit, and alcohol, total energy, protein, carbohydrate, fats and fiber intake. Women with GDM had a higher cholesterol intake than women without GDM (145.3+/-4.5 mg/1000 kcal vs. 134.5+/-1.6 mg/1000 kcal; P=0.03). In a multiple logistic regression model, previous GDM, BMI, age and cholesterol intake (OR=1.88; 95% CI: 1.09-3.23 for each increase of 50 mg/1000 kcal) were independently and positively associated with GDM.
Conclusion:
We conclude that cholesterol intake is independently associated with GDM and that it could be involved in the pathogenesis of GDM.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility, suggesting a...
Hyperglycemia
Diabetes Mellitus: Introduction
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones