47-OR: Association of Early Pregnancy Triglycerides and HbA1c in a UK Multiethnic Cohort

Introduction: Role and ethnic variations of early pregnancy triglycerides and HbA1c on birthweight in women without gestational diabetes (GDM) is not clear.

Aim: To explore the association of early pregnancy HbA1c and triglycerides in multi-ethnic women at risk of developing GDM

Methods: PRiDE study, designed to address the role of B vitamins on incident GDM, recruited 4746 women (12.5 weeks of gestation) from 10 centres across UK, who fulfilled NICE criteria for GDM screening (OGTT at 26.5 weeks). Intergrowth centiles were used to assess LGA. Multiple regression analyses were used to explore the effects of early pregnancy triglycerides and HbA1c, adjusted for key covariates. Additional model included 0- and 120-min glucose values at OGTT.

Results: 3782 did not have GDM (74% Whites; 10.1% South Asians). 81.3% were nulliparous. Mean age: 30.3 ± 5.2; BMI: 30.6 ± 7.1. Mean birthweight: 3417.1 ± 590.0 (at 39.1 ± 1.7 weeks). Early pregnancy plasma triglyceride but not HbA1c was independently associated with birthweight, macrosomia and LGA. Addition of OGTT glucose values reduced the effect size for macrosomia and LGA. No ethnic specific interactions were observed.

Conclusion: In women who are at high risk but did not develop GDM, early pregnancy triglyceride but not HbA1c levels was independently associated with birthweight. These effects were independent of ethnicity and partially mediated through plasma glucose levels at OGTT.