Evaluation of Role of Serum Uric Acid in Early Detection of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)

Abstract

Background:Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common condition with risks for mother and baby. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity are occurring with increasing frequency, and the incidence of GDM reflects this trend. Further, new diagnostic criteria have greatly increased the prevalence of GDM. Potential lifelong consequences exist for mother and baby if the condition goes untreated; however, effective pregnancy management can ameliorate adverse maternal and fetal effects. GDM is defined as any degree of glucose intolerance with the onset or first recognition during pregnancy. This definition of GDM includes women who may have had unrecognized or undiagnosed glucose intolerance before their pregnancy and those with an onset during pregnancy which continued after pregnancy. Uric acid, the final product of purine degradation, is formed by the liver from endogenous and exogenous precursor proteins and is mainly excreted by the kidneys (65%) and intestines (35%). At physiologic concentrations, uric acid exhibits excellent antioxidant activity, uric acid is responsible for 2/3 of the total plasma antioxidant capacity. However, when uric acid exceeds its physiologic levels in the plasma, it can propagate oxidative damage. Furthermore, chronic, but not acute, elevation of uric acid constitutes a risk factor for many diseases, as it can promote inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Uric acid has been investigated as a possible risk factor for the development of GDM. Several researchers reported an association of uric acid levels with development of GDM.