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Triglyceride/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (TG/HDL) Ratio May Predict Gestational Diabetes and Worse Cardiometabolic Profile

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction Current approaches to diagnosing and managing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) do not account for the diverse cardiometabolic (CM) profiles of pregnant women. The triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL) ratio is recognized as a useful marker of CM risk, but its significance during pregnancy remains unclear. Objective The objective of this study is to evaluate whether the TG/HDL ratio is associated with distinct CM profiles and the timing of GDM diagnosis. Methods This cross-sectional study included 651 women aged 18 years or older who received specialized antenatal care for GDM between January 2008 and November 2021. The TG/HDL ratio was assessed during the second or third trimester and categorized into tertiles: T1 (<2.22), T2 (2.22-3.37), and T3 (>3.37). Maternal characteristics and the timing of GDM diagnosis (first trimester vs. second/third trimester) were compared across tertiles. Results The mean TG/HDL ratio was 3.1 (SD 1.7). Increasing tertiles were associated with a progressive worsening of CM indicators. Women in higher tertiles had significantly higher pre-gestational BMI, fasting glucose, two-hour oral glucose tolerance test glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and triglyceride-glucose index values (all p < 0.05). The prevalence of obesity and GDM diagnosed in the second or third trimester also rose significantly across tertiles. A borderline association with hypertension was noted. Cesarean delivery rates were higher in the highest tertile, while other maternal-fetal complications showed no significant differences. Conclusions Elevated TG/HDL ratios are associated with a poorer CM profile and a higher likelihood of GDM diagnosis in the second or third trimester.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.85505