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CME Credit Offered
CME Credit Offered
Abstract Award
Abstract Award
Recording available 2/16-5/2
Recording available 2/16-5/2
AIUM Credit
AIUM Credit
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Foundation Awardee
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Abstract Award
Abstract Award
Foundation Awardee
Foundation Awardee

Poster Session 3

Category: Diabetes

Poster Session 3

(780) Maternal Gestational Diabetes and the Risk of Polycystic Ovary and Metabolic Syndromes in their Daughters

Thursday, February 12, 2026
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM  
Objective:
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a known risk factor for adverse short- and long-term outcomes in offspring, yet its independent contribution to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and metabolic syndrome remains uncertain. We aimed to examine whether intrauterine exposure to GDM is associated with increased risk of PCOS and metabolic syndrome in female offspring, independent of shared genetic and environmental factors.

Study Design:
In this sibling-controlled cohort study conducted between 2018 and 2022, we enrolled 28 pairs of sisters born to the same parents and raised in the same household; one following a GDM pregnancy and one following a non-GDM pregnancy. Participants underwent clinical evaluation, endocrine and biochemical testing, and pelvic ultrasound. The primary outcomes were the rates of PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria; and metabolic syndrome using age-specific National Cholesterol Education Program, Adult Treatment Panel III and International Diabetes Federation guidelines. The assessor was blinded to GDM status. Comparison between siblings was done using McNemar test for categorical variables and paired T test or Wilcoxon Signed Rank test of continuous variables.

Results:

Sisters from GDM pregnancies exhibited significantly higher rates of PCOS, hirsutism, and elevated androgen levels (total testosterone and androstenedione) compared to their non-GDM siblings. Although the overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome did not differ significantly, low HDL cholesterol was more common in the GDM-exposed group. No significant associations were found between glycemic control during GDM pregnancy and the study outcomes.

Conclusion:

In utero exposure to GDM is associated with long-term metabolic and hormonal disturbances, particularly PCOS and low HDL cholesterol, in female offspring independent of genetic and shared environmental factors. These findings underscore the importance of intrauterine programming in the pathogenesis of PCOS and highlight a potential intergenerational impact of GDM.