Association Between High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with metabolic and inflammatory alterations during pregnancy. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a marker of low-grade systemic inflammation, may be elevated in women with GDM. This study aimed to assess the association between serum hs-CRP levels and gestational diabetes mellitus among pregnant women. Methods: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital, Chidambaram, over one year from May 2021 to May 2022. A total of 64 pregnant women at 24–28 weeks of gestation were included, comprising 32 women with GDM and 32 controls with normal glucose tolerance. Sociodemographic, obstetric, anthropometric, and glycemic characteristics were recorded. Serum hs-CRP was estimated using a Sandwich Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Independent-samples t-test and chi-square test were applied, with p< .05 considered statistically significant. Results: Women with GDM had significantly higher mean weight (67.88±12.11 vs. 61.25±12.72 kg, p = .037), body mass index (29.25±4.88 vs. 25.88±5.11 kg/m², p = .009), and glucose challenge test values (125.01±25.61 vs. 92.48±16.63 mg/dL, p = .001). Mean hs-CRP levels were also significantly higher in the GDM group than in controls (0.23±0.11 vs. 0.11±0.05 pg/mL, p = .009). Conclusion: Pregnant women with GDM had significantly elevated hs-CRP levels compared with women with normal glucose tolerance, indicating an association between systemic inflammation and GDM. Larger prospective studies are warranted to determine the independent clinical utility of hs-CRP.