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The association between a single abnormal glucose and fetal c-peptide

Samantha de Los Reyes1, Annie Dude2, Jennifer Doll3

  • 1Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NorthShore University HealthSystem/University of Chicago, 2650 Ridge Ave., Walgreen Building, Evanston, IL, 60201, USA. delosreyes.samantha@gmail.com.

Acta Diabetologica
|June 22, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Fetuses exposed to one elevated glucose tolerance test (GTT) value showed higher fetal C-peptide levels, indicating a physiologic difference. This finding suggests potential implications for fetal development in pregnancies with mild glucose intolerance.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal medicine
  • Endocrinology
  • Obstetrics

Background:

  • Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) screening involves glucose tolerance tests (GTT).
  • The impact of mild glucose intolerance on fetal physiology is not fully understood.
  • Fetal C-peptide levels reflect fetal insulin production.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if fetuses of mothers with one elevated GTT value exhibit different C-peptide levels compared to those with normal GTT results.
  • To investigate the physiological differences in fetal insulin secretion based on maternal glucose tolerance.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study comparing singleton, non-anomalous fetuses.
  • Fetal C-peptide levels measured in cord blood.
  • Data analyzed using univariable analysis after log transformation and outlier exclusion.

Main Results:

  • Fetal C-peptide levels were significantly higher in the group with one elevated GTT value (4.6 ± 0.8 pmol/L) versus the normal GTT group (4.3 ± 0.7 pmol/L, P=0.046).
  • No significant differences were observed in maternal characteristics or adverse perinatal outcomes between the groups.

Conclusions:

  • Fetuses of mothers with one elevated GTT value demonstrate a measurable physiological difference in C-peptide levels.
  • This suggests that even mild maternal glucose intolerance may influence fetal endocrine function.
Abstract

Keywords:
Fetal C-peptideFetal insulinGestational diabetesGlucose tolerance testSingle elevated value

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