Comparative study of platelet profile in GDM and non-diabetic pregnancy in a tertiary care centre

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common metabolic complication of pregnancy associated with significant maternal and neonatal morbidity. Increasing evidence suggests that platelet activation and altered platelet indices reflect underlying inflammation and insulin resistance in GDM. Objectives were to compare platelet profile parameters between gestational diabetes mellitus and non-diabetic pregnancies and to evaluate their predictive value for GDM. Methods: This hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care centre in Puducherry among 60 pregnant women, including 30 women with GDM and 30 age-matched non-diabetic controls. Platelet parameters were analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer. Statistical analysis included independent sample t-test and ROC curve analysis. Results: The mean platelet count was significantly lower in the GDM group (2.41±0.46×105/µl) compared to controls (2.78±0.52×105/µl; p=0.006). MPV (11.2±1.1 versus 9.6±0.9 fl; p<0.001), PDW (15.8±2.1 versus 13.6±1.7%; p<0.001), PCT (0.21±0.05 versus 0.24±0.04%; p=0.014), and P-LCR (32.4±5.6 versus 26.8±4.9%; p<0.001) were significantly higher in the GDM group. ROC curve analysis showed that MPV had the highest diagnostic accuracy (AUC 0.82; sensitivity 76.7%; specificity 80.0% at ≥10.5 fl). Conclusions: Platelet indices are significantly altered in gestational diabetes mellitus and demonstrate good predictive value. These inexpensive hematological markers may aid in early identification and risk stratification of GDM in routine antenatal care.