Comparative Analysis of Inflammatory Markers (CRP, TLC, ESR) between Gestational Diabetes and Non-Diabetic Pregnant Females in Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent metabolic complication in pregnancy, presenting considerable risks to maternal and fetal health. Recent studies indicate that inflammatory processes may contribute to the pathophysiology of GDM, leading to insulin resistance and modified immune responses. Inflammatory markers, including CRP, TLC, and ESR, are frequently utilized to evaluate systemic inflammation. This study aims to evaluate and compare inflammatory markers between GDM and non-diabetic pregnant females to elucidate their potential role in the progression and diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This research employed a cross-sectional study design and was conducted from May 2024 to September 2024. 120 participants were included with informed consent and divided into GDM (60) and control groups (60). The clinical features and demographics of patients were recorded using a structured interview questionnaire. Then, a blood sample was collected for laboratory analysis. The predominant clinical symptoms in individuals with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were polydipsia, polyuria, and polyphagia. The unpaired t-test indicated a non-significant correlation of ESR levels between the two groups (p-value 0.06). Nonetheless, TLC and CRP levels exhibited a strong significant correlation between the GDM and control groups, with a p-value of <0.01. This research concluded that CRP and TLC are elevated in GDM patients in comparison to non-diabetic pregnant females.