Investigating the Relationship Between Triglycerides and Fetal Overgrowth in Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a condition of impaired insulin resistance which causes increased morbidity for mothers and newborns due to fetal overgrowth. Traditionally, GDM is diagnosed with a glucose tolerance test, and treatment subsequently focuses singularly on glucose management. However, both glucose and triglycerides (TAG) are fuels for fetal overgrowth. The central hypothesis is that the most effective understanding of fetal overgrowth needs to include both carbohydrates and triglycerides. The study will focus recruitment on patients who have GDM and BMI > 35. The specific aims are 1) Determine the relationship between TAG levels during pregnancy and offspring size, 2) Explore the relationship between TAG levels during pregnancy and adipose tissue accrual (birth weight, body composition and adipose tissue distribution) from birth to six months old, and 3)Examine the relationship between maternal TAG levels and cord c-peptide levels. Mothers are asked to check their serum triglycerides at the time of diagnosis of GDM and at the end of pregnancy. Fingerstick blood measurements of triglycerides are also measured every 2 weeks at prenatal visits. At delivery, cord blood is collected. Infants are examined at 0.5, 3, and 6 months after birth.