Bhavthankar S, Gavkare AM, Nagoba BS. Letter to the Editor: Enhancing the predictive value of body composition and adipokine assessment for gestational diabetes mellitus risk. World J Diabetes 2026; 17(8): 118110 [DOI: 10.4239/wjd.118110]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Basavraj S Nagoba, PhD, Professor, Department of Microbiology, Maharashtra Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (Medical College), Vishwanathpuram, Ambajogai Road, Latur 413531, Maharashtra, India. dr_bsnagoba@yahoo.com
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Biochemical Research Methods
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letter
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Bhavthankar S, Gavkare AM, Nagoba BS. Letter to the Editor: Enhancing the predictive value of body composition and adipokine assessment for gestational diabetes mellitus risk. World J Diabetes 2026; 17(8): 118110 [DOI: 10.4239/wjd.118110]
World J Diabetes. Aug 15, 2026; 17(8): 118110 Published online Aug 15, 2026. doi: 10.4239/wjd.118110
Letter to the Editor: Enhancing the predictive value of body composition and adipokine assessment for gestational diabetes mellitus risk
Sachin Bhavthankar, Ajay M Gavkare, Basavraj S Nagoba
Sachin Bhavthankar, Department of Biochemistry, Maharashtra Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Latur 413512, Maharashtra, India
Ajay M Gavkare, Department of Physiology, Government Medical College, Buldhana 443001, Maharashtra, India
Basavraj S Nagoba, Department of Microbiology, Maharashtra Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (Medical College), Latur 413531, Maharashtra, India
Author contributions: Bhavthankar S and Gavkare AM drafted the primary manuscript; Nagoba BS provided conceptual guidance, performed critical revisions, and edited the text; all the authors participated in the final drafting and have reviewed and approved the submitted version.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors have no conflict of interest related to the manuscript.
Corresponding author: Basavraj S Nagoba, PhD, Professor, Department of Microbiology, Maharashtra Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (Medical College), Vishwanathpuram, Ambajogai Road, Latur 413531, Maharashtra, India. dr_bsnagoba@yahoo.com
Received: December 24, 2025 Revised: February 12, 2026 Accepted: March 10, 2026 Published online: August 15, 2026 Processing time: 224 Days and 18.8 Hours
Abstract
In the recent issue of World Journal of Diabetes, Li et al report that elevated fat mass percentage and dysregulated adipokines (leptin and adiponectin) in early-to-mid-pregnancy are the key predictors for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Beyond leptin and adiponectin, integrating a broader panel of adipokines like chemerin and resistin can capture the inflammatory signature of GDM. Precision can be further increased by measuring visceral fat area using nonionizing methods such as magnetic resonance imaging or validated ultrasonography to ensure maternal-fetal safety. This addresses the portal vein hypothesis, where visceral fat directly impairs hepatic insulin sensitivity via free fatty acid release. Tracking dynamic weight gain trajectories at 4-week intervals using latent class growth analysis and utilizing the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-Pregnancy, and Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire would provide a more robust and complete model, substantially increasing the scientific impact of the study and guiding more precise early intervention strategies.
Core Tip: Current risk assessment for gestational diabetes mellitus frequently overlooks the distinction between different fat compartments. While fat mass percentage is a vital marker, its predictive power is maximized when combined with visceral fat area and dynamic metabolic indicators. Establishing a comprehensive evaluation framework that includes lifestyle factors and longitudinal weight tracking will bridge existing gaps in prenatal care, allowing for more accurate identification of high-risk individuals and earlier clinical intervention.
