Evaluation of serum ischemia-modified albumin levels in pregnant women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus

To investigate serum ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels in gestational diabetes mellitus and the effect of treatment with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion on the biomarker. Methods. The gestational diabetes mellitus women in the second trimester were evaluated before and after the two kinds of treatments with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and medical nutrition therapy for 6 weeks. Maternal serum ischemia-modified albumin and metabolic parameters were measured at baseline and at the 6th week. Results. Serum ischemia-modified albumin levels and metabolic parameters were higher in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus at baseline than in controls. Ischemia-modified albumin levels were correlated with plasma glucose (p < 0.05). Variables of glycemic control and ischemia-modified albumin levels were significantly reduced at the 6th week. The effect of insulin treatment was generally better than diet therapy. Linear regression analysis showed that fasting plasma glucose was an independent determinant for IMA levels (beta = 0.611, p = 0.035). Fetal outcome was similar except for macrosomia and Apgar score at 5 min. Conclusion. Serum ischemia-modified albumin levels were higher in gestational diabetes mellitus compared to normal pregnancy. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion consistently improved metabolic disorder control. Gestational diabetes mellitus women were associated to a higher risk of oxidative stress and pregnancy complications.