Association of Vitamin D Deficiency with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Observational Study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2560Keywords:
Vitamin D deficiency, gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnancy, insulin resistance, maternal healthAbstract
Background:
Vitamin D deficiency is increasingly recognized as a potential risk factor for metabolic disorders such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). It plays a role in glucose metabolism through its effects on insulin secretion and sensitivity.
Objective:
To evaluate the association between maternal vitamin D deficiency and gestational diabetes mellitus.
Methods:
This prospective observational study was conducted over four months among 100 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at a tertiary care hospital. Women aged 18–40 years between 24–28 weeks of gestation were included. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were measured, and GDM was diagnosed using the oral glucose tolerance test. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test.
Results:
The mean age of participants was approximately 26.4 ± 4.2 years. Vitamin D deficiency was observed in 60% of participants, while 30% were diagnosed with GDM. Among vitamin D-deficient women, 40% had GDM compared to 15% in those with sufficient levels. A statistically significant association was found (p = 0.014).
Conclusion:
Vitamin D deficiency is significantly associated with increased risk of GDM.
Recommendation:
Routine screening and early supplementation of vitamin D during pregnancy may help reduce the risk of GDM.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Binod Bihari Mishra, Manasi Mohapatra, Ankita Pattanaik
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