Vitamin D Levels in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and its Influence on Future Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus- An Observational Study

Introduction: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and persistent hyperglycaemia postpartum is a rising health challenge. Multiple researches have contributed to the understanding of the magnitude of the causal factors involved. One such factor is Vitamin D deficiency though, widely studied exact role in development of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is not investigated. Aim: To predict the risk of pre-diabetes and DM in GDM patients with Vitamin D deficiency. Materials and Methods: Hundred pregnant women were recruited-50 study group, 50 control group; based on WHO criteria for GDM diagnosis at 24-28 weeks of gestation. Study parameters in antepartum period were maternal age, Body Mass Index (BMI), Vitamin D, Fasting blood glucose, 2 hour Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Study parameters in postpartum follow-up were fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, vitamin D. Mann-Whitney U-test and Binary Logistic regression analysis were the statistical tools used to predict the risk. Results: Antepartum Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) showed 2.2 fold significantly increased risk for developing pre-diabetes and DM. High frequency of pre-diabetes (52% of cases) post-delivery (6 weeks) was proved. Maternal age, BMI and OGTT values had direct relationship in predicting risk of DM which was proved with postpartum follow-up. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency has a significant role in development of pre-diabetes and DM in GDM patients.