Association of serum ferritin with gestational diabetes mellitus: a longitudinal study

Background: Serum ferritin is an iron storage protein, also functions as an acute phase reactant and is elevated in inflammatory environments. Elevated serum ferritin is also associated with iron overload. Inflammation and iron overload are linked to occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The purpose of this research was to determine whether serum Ferritin levels are associated with GDM. Methods: A total of 150 non anemic females with singleton pregnancy were enrolled in the study. Serum ferritin was measured at 12-16 weeks of gestation. Oral glucose tolerance test OGTT was done at 24-28 weeks and repeated at 32-34 weeks. Patients were observed for development of GDM and association of serum ferritin and GDM was evaluated. Results: Among the participants (mean age 25.46±4.0 years), 26.0% were diagnosed with GDM. Higher serum ferritin levels (61-90 ng/ml) showed the highest percentage (48.7%) compared to other groups. Significant differences across groups with a p value of less than 0.001 was noted establishing association of serum ferritin with GDM. Conclusions: We can infer that higher serum ferritin is associated with GDM.