Asian Journal of Pregnancy and Childbirth

Pregnant Indian women have a high Vitamin D deficiency prevalence (approx. 90%). Mounting evidence suggests that Vitamin D may be essential for maintaining healthy glucose homeostasis.

Aims: We aimed to determine the relationship between the GDM risks and maternal concentrations of Vitamin D in early pregnancy.

Settings and Design: An observational study was performed on 114 healthy pregnant women in their first antenatal (<twelve weeks) visit during a regular antenatal check-up at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Rajarajeshwari Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore, India.

Methods and Materials: Venous plasma total Vitamin D concentration was evaluated with the help of tandem LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrophotometry). A screening OGCT (oral glucose challenge test) was performed during the first visit and OGCT was repeated in mid-pregnancy between (24-28 weeks). Applying DIPSI criteria, gestational diabetes mellitus was identified and confirmed.

Results: Of 114 women, 54 (47.3%) were obese, 25 (21.9%) were overweight, 19 (16.6%) were normal weight, and 16 (14%) were underweight. A statistically considerable correlation was seen between Vitamin D status and OGCT (ϰ2= 57/07, p=0.01). The mean OGCT levels were higher in Vitamin D deficiency patients, which showed a statistically significant difference among the group (p=0.001). No statistically considerable correlation was seen between OGCT and BMI (ϰ2= 10.85, p=0.093).

Conclusions: Increased GDM risk might be linked to low plasma total Vitamin D concentrations in early pregnancy.