Gestational diabetes associated with a novel mutation (378–379insTT) in the glycerol kinase gene

Glycerol kinase deficiency (GKD) is an X-linked inborn error of metabolism at the interface of fat and carbohydrate metabolism. We report a male patient with GKD and a novel insertion of TT in exon 5 at position 378 of the GK cDNA (378-379insTT). This resulted in a premature stop codon and 0.8% normal GK activity. The mother is a carrier for this mutation and had gestational diabetes requiring insulin during this pregnancy but not in her previous pregnancy. Given the association between GKD and type 2 diabetes mellitus, it is interesting that the mother had gestational diabetes while carrying an affected fetus. Therefore, GKD is another disease where there may be a maternal-fetal interaction based on genotype. Further investigations may help elucidate the role of GKD in the carrier mother's gestational diabetes. In addition, these studies will provide better-informed counseling to families with GKD regarding the risk to carrier females.