Serum Vitamin D levels and gestational diabetes mellitus: analysis of early pregnancy cohort from a teaching hospital of Kashmir Valley

Background and Aims: The association of gestational diabetes mellitus and serum Vitamin D levels in different trimesters of pregnancy has been studied recently. We conducted this study in an prospective observational cohort of well-characterized healthy pregnant women to examine the relationship between 1st trimester Vitamin D levels and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) status during pregnancy. Methods: All pregnant women attending the out-patient department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, aged less than 35 years, and who were in their first trimester were included in the study. Socio-demographic, anthropometric details, clinical details, food frequency questionnaire and physical activity data was collected using validated pretested questionnaire. Results: The comparison between those with GDM and those with normal glucose levels has been illustrated. Women in the GDM are older than those in the non-GDM group. The women in GDM group were taller, heavier and their BMI was greater than those in the non-GDM group. There were no significant differences in dietary intake at baseline between mothers with GDM and those with normal glucose levels. Further, it was found that Vitamin D concentration of <30 nmol/L was found among higher among those with GDM and the relationship was statistically significant. Conclusion: There is an association between maternal Vitamin D deficiency and increased risk for GDM in early pregnancy among Kashmiri women.