Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Disease: The Role of Vascular Dysfunction

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Disease: The Role of Vascular Dysfunction

The purpose of this research study is to look at whether there are differences in blood vessel function, risk for developing diabetes (high blood sugar), lipid (blood fat) levels, and levels of other blood markers between black women and white women who have or do not have gestational diabetes mellitus.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy women of self-identified African descent (black) and European (white) ancestry,
• 18-40 years of age,
• Body mass index < 35 kg/m2
• History of regular menstrual cycles,
• Are currently pregnant and in third trimester of pregnancy (after 24 weeks gestational age)
• Have no pregnancy-associated complications to-date
• Are in good health free of hypertension, as well as thyroid, cardiac, or renal disease.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of smoking
• Are taking potentially vasoactive medications