IJAR.2026.113
Type of Article: Original Research
Volume 14; Issue 2 (June 2026)
Page No.: 9479-9489
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.16965/ijar.2026.113
Gestational Diabetes-Induced Alterations in Placental Morphology and Microarchitecture: A Quantitative Comparative Study
Sharmadha K L 1, Yogi Anupkumar Balakrishnan 2, Ajay N 3, Tejaswi H L *4.
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Adichunchanagiri University, B G Nagara – 571448, Nagamangala Taluk, Mandya District, Karnataka, India. ORCiD: 0009-0001-2131-8902
2 Professor, Department of Anatomy, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Adichunchanagiri University, B G Nagara – 571448, Nagamangala Taluk, Mandya District, Karnataka, India. ORCiD: 0000-0002-5968-341X
3 Professor, Department of Anatomy, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Adichunchanagiri University, B G Nagara – 571448, Nagamangala Taluk, Mandya District, Karnataka, India. ORCiD: 0000-0003-4141-5782
*4 Professor and Head, Department of Anatomy, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Adichunchanagiri University, B G Nagara – 571448, Nagamangala Taluk, Mandya District, Karnataka, India. ORCiD: 0000-0001-9214-8202
Corresponding Author: Dr. Tejaswi H L, Professor and Head, Department of Anatomy, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, Adichunchanagiri University, B G Nagara – 571448, Nagamangala Taluk, Mandya District, Karnataka, India. Phone number: 9986322186 E-Mail: drtejaswihl@gmail.com
Abstract
Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy related disease. Diabetes mellitus affects 2.5% of pregnancies of which 65% are gestational diabetes mellitus and 35% are complicated by pre-existing diabetes mellitus. The placenta is an important organ serving as a connection between mother and growing fetus. This critical organ undergoes drastic modification in response to hyperglycemic condition. Previous studies have shown that GDM alters placental morphology, vascular patterns and histopathological features. However, a detailed comparative study of these parameters across different treatment modalities in GDM remain limited. This study aims to identify and analyze placenta changes associated with GDM across different treatment modalities.
Objective: To compare the changes in morphological, histopathological and vascular features between normal pregnancies and pregnancies complicated with GDM- classified by different treatment modalities as diet-controlled, tablet- treated or insulin- treated patients.
Methods: In our study we have analyzed 70 placentas 50 normal pregnancies and 20 GDM pregnancies across different modalities. Placental samples were collected from OBG department of Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, soon after the delivery, analyzed for morphometric (cotyledon number, weight, thickness), and vascular (umbilical vein/artery pattern), then tissue samples were taken for histopathological examination for different quantitative and qualitative parameters. Statistical analyses included independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and chi-square tests. Findings are presented in tables and graphs.
Results: Significant abnormalities were found in placental morphometry, architecture, and histopathology for GDM, most marked in insulin-treated cases. Magistral vascular patterns predominated in GDM groups. Syncytial knots, chorangiosis, and infarction emerged as qualitative discriminators.
Conclusion: Morphometric, vascular, and histopathological placental parameters are all significantly altered in GDM pregnancy. More severe changes were observed in the Insulin-treated patients. This suggest that the routine placental assessment can help us in stratifying the perinatal risk and modulate the treatment strategies in GDM patients
Key words: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), Morphology, Magistral, Villi, Syncytial Knots, Chorangiosis.
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