Association of Serum Magnesium and Serum Calcium Levels in Infants Born to Mothers with GDM and PGDM in Bangladesh

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) are significant health concerns affecting maternal and neonatal outcomes worldwide, including in Bangladesh. Infants born to mothers with diabetes are at increased risk of metabolic imbalances, including potential disturbances in essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. Adequate levels of serum calcium and magnesium are crucial for various physiological functions, including bone development, muscle function, and neuromuscular stability in newborns. Studies suggest that maternal diabetes may impact these mineral levels in infants, potentially leading to complications such as hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia. Objective: This study aims to compare serum magnesium levels and its association with serum calcium level in infants born to mothers with GDM and PGDM in Bangladesh, providing insights into the nutritional impacts of maternal diabetes on newborns. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, BIRDEM, Dhaka. Total 105 infants within 72 hours of birth were selected from the obstetrics and gynecology and pediatrics departments. Serum levels of magnesium and calcium were measured. Data were analyzed using t-tests and chi-square tests to assess differences between infants of GDM and PGDM mothers and Pearson correlation test to understand correlation between these two parameters in IDMs. Results: The study revealed that hypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia were higher in infants of PGDM mothers compared to GDM mothers (63.8% vs 24.1%) and (36.2% vs. 12.1%) accordingly. Association of serum magnesium and calcium levels were significantly lower in PGDM infants than in GDM infants (68.2% vs 31.8% p=0.001, 70.8% vs 29.2% p=0.005). Positive correlation found between serum magnesium and calcium level in IDMs. Conclusion: Infants of PGDM mothers are at a higher risk of hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia. In order to improve ...