CDKAL1 gene polymorphism and susceptibility to gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder of pregnancy resulting from insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction, affecting both maternal and fetal health. Genetics plays an important role in the development of GDM and the individuals with GDM have a two-fold risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes mellitus later in life. This systematic review summarizes evidence on the cooperation between CDKAL1 gene polymorphisms and GDM risk. PubMed database was used to identify the studies published between January 2016 to December 2025. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria and most of them reported significant connection between CDKAL1 variants and GDM. Overall, CDKAL1 polymorphism may serve as a potential genetic marker for the early GDM risk assessment.