Maternal Serum Iron and Zinc Levels and Gestational Diabetes

Abstract

Gestational diabetes, a metabolic disturbance in pregnancy has many predisposing factors such as maternal age, history of gestational diabetes, familial history of diabetes, and obesity. There have been many studies performed all over the world to recognize more risk factors for gestational diabetes in order to better control it. Micronutrients such as iron and zinc status in the body are good examples in this regard. The studies have shown that despite the increased need for iron during pregnancy, if there is an iron overload in body, it may predispose the mother to gestational diabetes; but there has been no significant relationship observed between body zinc status and gestational diabetes occurrence. Thus, medical practitioners should consider checking the iron status of pregnant women before giving iron supplements to them.