Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy increases risk of gestational diabetes

GDM women had higher age, BMI, and positive family history of type 2 DM as compared to pregnant women without GDM. Mean vitamin D level was lower in GDM group vs control group 32.64 ± 24.33 vs 39.90 ± 21.86 nmol/L (P=.033). Prevalence of severe vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/L) was higher in the GDM group vs control group (44 vs 20%; OR, 1.833; P=.010). Women with GDM with BMI >25 kg/m2 had 1.799 times chances to have severe vitamin D deficiency vs those with BMI <25 kg/m2. Mild (>50 but <75 nmol/L) and moderate (>25 but <50 nmol/L) vitamin D deficiency was seen in 6 and 16 women with GDM, respectively. Only 6 women with GDM had sufficient vitamin D level (>75 nmol/L).

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Authors concluded that Severe vitamin D deficiency in the second trimester of pregnancy is significantly associated with elevated risk for GDM. They commented, "Rising trend in the prevalence of GDM has been shown by studies performed in various parts of the world and India. The causes of GDM are an active area of investigation with a growing interest in vitamin D deficiency as a potential cause. Reduced availability of maternal vitamin D level during pregnancy may be a possible mechanism contributing to the development of insulin resistance leading to GDM."