Association of maternal serum leptin concentration with gestational diabetes mellitus

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) represents a significant public health concern due to its relationship with elevated risks of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. Leptin, a peptide hormone, affects glucose homeostasis as it alters insulin sensitivity. By causing insulin resistance, it inhibits the insulin-mediated glucose uptake in tissues resulting in hyperglycemia. The study aimed to assess the association of maternal serum leptin concentration with gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods: This case-control study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka Bangladesh from September 2022 to August 2023. A total of 82 singleton pregnant women between 18-40 years of age in their 24-28 weeks of gestation were enrolled purposively. All cases were divided into two groups. Among them 41 women with diagnosed GDM were considered as the case group and the rest of the 41 matched healthy pregnant women were selected as the control group. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0. Results:The average leptin levels were significantly higher in the cases (20.62±9.18 ng/mL) compared to the controls (13.35±6.47 ng/mL) at 24-28 weeks of gestation (p<0.001). With a leptin cutoff of 18.9 ng/mL, the odds ratio calculation indicated that gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was 3.8 times more likely to develop in pregnant women with elevated serum leptin levels (?18.9 ng/mL) compared to those with lower levels (<18.9 ng/mL) (OR=3.776, p=0.007). A significant positive correlation was observed between serum leptin levels and both fasting blood sugar levels (p=0.001) and 2-hour post-glucose levels (p=0.002). Conclusion: Elevated levels of serum leptin are associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).