Microscopic impacts of gestational diabetes mellitus on the umbilical cord

This observational study was done among the different types of diabetes, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). In the present study we looked for the microscopic impacts of GDM on the umbilical cord. This study was carried out in the department of Anatomy, Chittagong Medical College from May 2006 to April 2007. Total fifty umbilical cords with placenta were collected from selected subjects within 36 to 40th weeks of gestation and divided them into two groups. Twenty five control group (specimen collected from normal mothers) and 25 GDM group (specimen collected from mothers developing diabetes during pregnancy state). Tissues from a particular area of the umbilical cord were processed for histological study by routine procedure. All the slides were examined under light microscope. In GDM group light microscopy showed rupture and erosion of the endothelium and complete rupture of the umbilical vessels resulting in extravasation of blood within Wharton's jelly. The umbilical vein was grossly dilated and thin walled. Smooth muscles of the umbilical vessel showed disruption and degeneration of its fibers. Wharton's jelly showed alteration in the pattern of distribution and degeneration of its fibers with honeycomb like empty spaces among them. It is suggested that GDM might have some harmful effects on the umbilical vessels and connective tissue component of the Wharton's jelly.