Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Status in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with increased oxidative stress and impaired antioxidant defence. This study compared oxidative stress and antioxidant status between women with GDM and healthy pregnant controls.
Materials and Methods: This hospital-based comparative study included 60 pregnant women, comprising 30 women with GDM and 30 healthy controls. Glycaemic parameters, lipid profiles, superoxide anion, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbic acid levels were evaluated and compared.
Results: Women with GDM had significantly higher fasting blood glucose (117.65 ± 7.43 vs 81.12 ± 8.15), HbA1c (6.88% vs 4.81%), and triglycerides (244.58 ± 17.95 vs 176.65 ± 13.21) compared with controls (all p<0.001). Superoxide anion levels were significantly elevated (189.58 ± 10.50 vs 141.38 ± 9.82; p<0.001), whereas median SOD (4.20 vs 5.71) and ascorbic acid (0.40 vs 0.69) were significantly reduced (both p<0.001). No significant correlations were observed between HbA1c and oxidative stress or antioxidant markers.
Conclusion: GDM was associated with increased oxidative stress, reduced antioxidant status, and significant metabolic abnormalities, suggesting an important role of oxidant–antioxidant imbalance in its pathophysiology.