Association between cardiometabolic index and gestational diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study

Background Cardiometabolic index (CMI) is a novel marker of diabetes mellitus. However, few studies have examined its association with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk. This study aimed to explore the association between CMI and GDM risk among pregnant women in the United States. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study utilizing data recorded in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database from 1999 to 2018. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression, restricted cubic splines (RCS), sensitivity, and subgroup analyses were performed to clarify the relationship between CMI and GDM risk. Results A total of 710 pregnant women were recruited, among whom 113 were diagnosed with GDM based on established criteria. This population showed a significant association between a higher CMI value and GDM (odds ratio: 1.75, 95% confidence interval: 1.03-2.99, P = 0.038). RCS regression analysis identified a linear relationship between CMI and GDM (P-value < 0.001, P-nonlinear = 0.702). Sensitivity analysis further confirmed the validity of this relationship. Subgroup analysis indicated a positive association between CMI and GDM among women who drink or smoke and Mexican Americans. Conclusion This study demonstrates a significant positive association between CMI and GDM risk, suggesting that a higher CMI predicts GDM incidence during pregnancy. Further research is required to investigate the CMI index as an early predictor of GDM.