Relationships between Iron and Zinc Serum Levels in Early Second Trimester of Pregnancy and Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes has dangerous complications of pregnancy, this study was performed to assess the relationship between iron and zinc serum levels with gestational diabetes. This longitudinal (prospective) study conducted on 1033 pregnant women who came to prenatal clinics of Tehran city. Demographic questionnaire and reproductive history was completed and also a venous blood sample was taken from all the pregnant women upon entry. Gestational diabetes was defined as GCT that it was upper than130 therefore GTT or NDDG performed. Data was analyzed by SPSS16 software and Independent Samples t-Test. The incidence of gestational diabetes was 7 %. Mean iron and zinc serum level was 116.6±95.7 µg/dl and 83/5 ±44/5 µg/dl. The Independent Samples t-Test showed that there was a significant relationship between maternal iron serum level and gestational diabetes and there wasnt a significant relationship between maternal zinc serum level and gestational diabetes. Healthcare workers can use the results of this study to monitor high maternal serum iron in the first trimester as a significant risk factor for gestational diabetes. Thus, in selected screening programs for gestational diabetes in terms of risk factors, women should undergo GTT and preventive measures with less time and cost can be taken decrease the complications.