Figure 2.

Mean plasma lipid concentrations measured throughout GDM pregnancies. Gestational diabetes mellitus pregnancies often involve abnormal lipid concentrations throughout pregnancy. As well, infants born to mothers with GDM often have increased adipose tissue at birth. Bao et al identified that women with higher triglycerides in early pregnancy have an increased risk of developing GDM in later pregnancy (103). As well, lower HDL cholesterol in early pregnancy significantly increases the risk for developing GDM in later pregnancy (103). Changes in LDL cholesterol or total cholesterol throughout pregnancy was not shown to be significantly associated with risk of developing GDM (103). *P < 0.05 indicates significant differences in HDL, LDL cholesterol, or triglyceride concentration in GDM pregnancies compared to normal pregnancies during that gestation age (103). Image was adapted from Bao et al. Plasma concentrations of lipids during pregnancy and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a longitudinal study. J Diabetes. 2018;10(6):487–495.