Relationship Between the Serum Cortisol, Insulin, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH), and Blood Glucose Levels of Pregnant Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in the Kingdom of Bahrain

Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) can be defined as hyperglycemia that develops during pregnancy. GDM poses both maternal and fetal potential risks. Elevated maternal cortisol levels have been linked to maternal hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between GDM and serum cortisol levels in Bahraini and non-Bahraini pregnant women in the Kingdom of Bahrain. We also investigated the relationship between age and ethnicity in the development of GDM. Methods Data were collected from a total of 75 pregnant women; 41 of which were diagnosed with GDM and 34 had normal blood glucose levels. Serum cortisol, insulin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), fasting (FBG), and random (RBG) blood glucose levels were measured. Results FBG, RBG, and insulin blood levels were significantly higher in the GDM group when compared to the control group. Serum cortisol and ACTH levels tended to be higher in the GDM group; however, they were statistically insignificant. Within the GDM group, there were no statistically significant differences in serum insulin, cortisol, and ACTH levels between Bahraini and non-Bahraini patients or between patients less than or more than 30 years old. Conclusion Our results suggest that cortisol may not have a major role in the development of GDM in our patients. Further research is needed to confirm these results. This study highlights the necessity to better understand the underlying mechanisms of the development of GDM in pregnant women.