Visceral Adipose Tissue Depth in Early Pregnancy and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus - a Cohort Study

Some studies have suggested that abdominal visceral adipose tissue depth (VAD) measured by ultrasound in early pregnancy, may predict the future onset of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Wheter this is true, independent of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), has been debated, leading the current study. A prospective cohort study was completed, in which VAD was measured at around 14 weeks’ gestation. GDM was later assessed by an oral glucose tolerance test at 24 to 28 weeks, according to the IADPSG criteria. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis were used to estimate the predictive value of VAD, above and beyond pre-pregnancy BMI. 627 pregnant women were enrolled, and 518 completed the study. VAD was measured at a mean of 14.4 weeks’ gestation. 87 women (16.8%) subsequently developed GDM. The unadjusted odds ratio (OR) for developing GDM was 1.99 (95% CI 1.59–2.46) per 1-cm increase in VAD. After adjusting for maternal BMI and age, the OR was 2.00 (95% CI 1.61 to 2.50). The ROC under the curve for developing GDM was higher for VAD (0.70, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.75) than for pre-pregnancy BMI (0.57 95% CI 0.50 to 0.64) (p < 0.001). In conclusion, higher VAD may better predict GDM than pre-pregnancy BMI.