Type 2 Diabetes in Pregnancy Raises Inflammation Marker CRP

A new prospective cohort study finds that pregnant women with Type 2 diabetes have significantly higher levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) compared to non-diabetic controls.

Researchers measured CRP, IL-6, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in 98 pregnant women-16 with Type 1 diabetes, 49 with Type 2 diabetes, and 33 matched controls. Plasma samples were taken at 28-30 weeks, 34-36 weeks, at delivery, and from cord blood.

CRP concentrations were elevated in Type 2 diabetes mothers at all three time points (p=0.019; p=0.028; p=0.068). IL-6 levels were roughly threefold lower in Type 2 diabetes mothers versus controls, but higher in fetal cord blood at delivery. BDNF levels remained stable across all groups.

The study calls for further research into how maternal diabetes-related inflammation affects fetal neural development.