Association between maternal vitamin D levels and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: A case-control study.

Dr Poojita; Renuka  Keshari

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1900

Authors

Dr . Poojita Associate Professor, Department of OBGY, Narayan Medical College and Hospital, Jamuhar, Rohtas
Dr. Renuka Keshari Professor, Department of OBGY, Narayan Medical College and Hospital, Jamuhar,

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v6i6.1900

Keywords:

Gestational diabetes mellitus, Vitamin D, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, Glycated Hemoglobin, pregnancy, Insulin resistance, Glycemic control

Abstract

Background
Vitamin D deficiency has emerged as a potential risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), supported by evidence of its role in insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.

Objectives: To compare serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels between pregnant women with and without GDM, and to assess the association between vitamin D status and glycemic control.

Methods
A hospital-based case-control observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Narayan Medical College, Sasaram, from December 2023 to December 2024. The study included 200 third-trimester pregnant women—100 with GDM (Group A) and 100 with normal glucose tolerance (Group B). Demographic, lifestyle, and biochemical data were collected. Serum 25(OH)D and HbA1c levels were measured using chemiluminescence immunoassay. Statistical analysis included t-tests and chi-square tests, with p<0.05 considered significant.

Results
Mean serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower in the GDM group (10.15 ± 5.85 ng/mL) than in controls (19.22 ± 7.34 ng/mL; p<0.001). Vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent among GDM cases (90.0%) compared to controls (60.0%; p<0.001). HbA1c and fasting blood glucose levels were significantly higher in GDM patients (p<0.001). An inverse correlation was observed between serum vitamin D and HbA1c. No significant differences were noted in maternal age, diet, or family history of diabetes (p= 0.21, 0.63, 0.60), whereas prior GDM and low sunlight exposure were significantly associated with GDM ( p<0.01)

Conclusion
Low maternal serum vitamin D levels are significantly associated with GDM and poor glycemic control, indicating a potential role in its pathogenesis.

Recommendations
Routine screening of serum 25(OH)D levels during antenatal care is advised, particularly for women at high risk of GDM. Vitamin D supplementation under medical supervision may help reduce GDM risk and improve glycemic outcomes.

Author Biographies

Dr . Poojita, Associate Professor, Department of OBGY, Narayan Medical College and Hospital, Jamuhar, Rohtas

Dr. Poojita is an Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Narayan Medical College and Hospital, Jamuhar, with expertise in antenatal care and gestational diabetes.

Dr. Renuka Keshari, Professor, Department of OBGY, Narayan Medical College and Hospital, Jamuhar,

Dr. Renuka Keshari is a Professor in the same department, with extensive experience in obstetrics, endocrinology in pregnancy, and women’s health research.

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