Comparative Analysis of Carnitine Levels in Pregnant Women With and Without Gestational Diabetes

Abstract

Background:

The global prevalence of gestational diabetes ranges from 1% to 20% and is rising, reaching 8.9%–53.4% due to updated screening and diagnostic criteria. Carnitine plays a key role in energy metabolism by transporting long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria. Its deficiency may impair lipid metabolism and contribute to the development of gestational diabetes.

Aims of study:

To determine the relationship between carnitine and gestational diabetes versus normal pregnancy.

 Materials & Methods:

A one-year case-control study was conducted at Salahaddin General Hospital, involving 87 pregnant women (≥28 weeks, singleton viable pregnancies). The participants were divided into two groups: 32 women with gestational diabetes (case group) and 55 healthy controls matched by age and gestational age. Blood samples (4 ml) were collected from all participants to measure carnitine levels.

Results:

In this study, carnitine level was significantly decreased in patients with gestational diabetes when compared with controls. Carnitine level < 23.56 µmol/L is a predictor for gestational diabetes.

Conclusions:

Use of carnitine level as a screening tool helps predict the susceptibility of high risk pregnant women for development of gestational diabetes, which affects the development of pregnancy and the growth of the fetus and can be relied upon to reduce future complications of diabetes.