The role of ultrasonographic adipose tissue thickness measurement in the first trimester in predicting gestational diabetes: a prospective study

Objective: This prospective observational study aims to assess the association between maternal abdominal subcutaneous and visceral fat thickness measured with ultrasound scan during the first trimester and the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Materials and methods: We recruited 43 non-diabetic women with singleton pregnancy between 11 and 14 weeks' gestation and evaluated ultrasonographic measurements of subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) and preperitoneal fat (PF) above the umbilicus. During 2nd trimester, GDM screening was performed by 75g two-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and diagnosis was made when one or more plasma glucose values meets or exceeds the values indicated by International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG). Results: Among the 43 woman, 8 developed GDM (18.6%). Of these 37,5% (n=3) had been diagnosed with GDM during a previous pregnancy, with a statistically significant correlation (p = 0.035). Mean SFT for all patients was significantly higher in the GDM group compared to non GDM group (27.30±8.78 mm vs 18.56±9.99 mm; p value =0.049). Mean PF for all women showed a statistically significant correlation with GDM (13.27±9.07 mm for non GDM group vs 23.52±10.24 mm for GDM group; p value = 0.038). Conclusions: Abdominal adiposity, both subcutaneous and visceral, seem to be suitable predictors of GDM in early pregnancy and can be easily assessed during a first trimester routine ultrasound, although further studies are needed to evaluate their role in the screening protocols.