Small HDL Particles Are Associated with Gestational Diabetes, Providing a Potential Early Identification Tool

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a well-recognized health problem that contributes to the burden of disease for both the mother and the infant. For the mother, there is an increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes later in life and for the infant, there are serious negative consequences including higher risk of being large for gestational age, a condition that could lead to shoulder dystocia, hypoglycemia, and hyperinsulinemia. Randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that control of blood glucose by continuous monitoring or adhering to appropriate diets is more efficacious than just routine prenatal care alone. Biochemical markers that can be used for early diagnosis of GDM would play an important role.