The role of 25(OH)D3 levels in gestational diabetes and its outcomes

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common metabolic disorder during pregnancy and has become a global public health issue. Increasing evidence suggests that 25(OH)D3 levels may be associated with the occurrence and progression of GDM, but the exact mechanisms are not fully understood. This retrospective study included 210 patients with GDM from the Third Hospital of Xi'an (from January 2022 to January 2024). The patients were divided into 2 groups based on serum 25(OH)D3 levels: the low-level group (<30 ng/mL, n = 102) and the normal-level group (≥30 ng/mL, n = 108). The study analyzed the basic characteristics, fasting blood glucose (FBG), pregnancy complications, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and fetal birth weight of the 2 groups. Additionally, multiple regression analysis was performed to explore the independent predictive effect of low 25(OH)D3 levels on the occurrence of GDM. The incidence of GDM in the low 25(OH)D3 level group was significantly higher than that in the normal 25(OH)D3 level group (60% vs 40%, P < .05). The low-level group had significantly higher FBG levels compared to the normal-level group (P < .05). Low 25(OH)D3 levels were significantly associated with the incidence of pregnancy complications such as gestational hypertension, fetal distress, cesarean section, and low birth weight (P < .05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that low 25(OH)D3 levels were an independent predictor of GDM occurrence (OR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.73-0.90, P < .01). Low 25(OH)D3 levels may increase the risk of gestational diabetes and its related complications. Vitamin D supplementation may have potential clinical value in the prevention and treatment of GDM.