Effects of Diet and Metformin on placental morphology in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of diet control and Metformin on placental morphology in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS: After written informed consent 62 GDMs were enrolled. According to WHO criteria, 30 cases of GDMs with blood sugar level <130 mg/dl, were assigned Group B (2000-2500Kcal/day and 30 minute walk thrice weekly were kept on diet control and 32 cases of GDM with blood sugar level >130 mg/dl, assigned Group C were kept on diet with tablet Metformin,(500mg TDS) Finally 25 normal pregnant females were kept in Group A as control. After delivery placentae were preserved and evaluated for morphology. RESULTS: Heavy placentae with abundant villous immaturity, chorangiosis and syncytial knots in group B and fibrinoid necrosis and calcification in group C were seen. In group B versus A placental and cord width while in Group C versus A only cord width in gross morphology showed significant results. In group B versus A villous immaturity, chorangiosis, infarction and syncytial knots in light microscopy were present; similarly in B versus C placental width, chorangiosis and syncytial knots showed significant results, while in C versus A results were non-significant. CONCLUSION: Metformin produced beneficial effects on placental morphology being comparable to normal control in contrast to diet group.