Interplay of Glucose, Vitamin C, and Adiponectin in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Insights from Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a pregnancy-related metabolic disorder characterized by glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, usually diagnosed during the second or third trimester. It increases the risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes if not properly managed. This study evaluated glucose, vitamin C, and adiponectin levels among women with GDM in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Methods: A case-control study involving 160 women aged 18–40 years was conducted, comprising 60 women with GDM, 50 healthy pregnant women, and 50 healthy non-pregnant women. Participants were recruited from selected hospitals in Kaduna State. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire. GDM was diagnosed using a 50 g oral glucose challenge test followed by a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. Venous blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Women with GDM had significantly lower adiponectin levels than both control groups (p < 0.05). During the oral glucose challenge test, adiponectin levels were highest in healthy pregnant women (10.13 ± 0.28), followed by healthy non-pregnant women (6.51 ± 0.24), and lowest in women with GDM (4.33 ± 0.22). Similar trends were observed following the oral glucose tolerance test. Conclusion: Reduced adiponectin levels were strongly associated with GDM, suggesting that adiponectin may serve as a potential biomarker for early detection and improved metabolic monitoring of women at risk of gestational diabetes in Nigeria.