Revista de Morfología y Anatomía

Understanding Visceral Adipose Tissue Depth as a New Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Predictor: A Thorough Meta-analysis and Systematic Review

Abstract

Xanico Waximo*

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent condition during pregnancy with significant implications for maternal and fetal health. Traditional predictors of GDM, such as maternal age, Body Mass Index (BMI), and family history, are well-known, but emerging evidence suggests that Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT) depth may serve as a novel and more precise predictor. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the relationship between VAT depth and the risk of GDM. We conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, for studies published up to June 2024. Studies were included if they measured VAT depth through imaging techniques and assessed its association with GDM. A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 10,500 participants. Meta-analysis revealed that increased VAT depth is significantly associated with higher odds of developing GDM .The findings suggest that VAT depth is a robust predictor of GDM, outperforming traditional measures such as BMI. This review underscores the importance of considering VAT depth in clinical settings for early identification and management of GDM risk.