A Study on Risk Factors Associated with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Background/Objectives: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a global health issue with immediate and long-term maternal–fetal complications. Current diagnostic approaches, such as the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), have limitations in accessibility, sensitivity, and timing. This study aimed to identify key nodes and structural interactions associated with GDM using graph theory and network analysis to improve early predictive strategies. Methods: A literature review inspired by PRISMA guidelines (2004–2025) identified 44 clinically relevant factors. A directed graph was constructed using Python (version 3.10.12), and centrality metrics (closeness, betweenness, eigenvector), k-core decomposition, and a Minimum Dominating Set (MDS) were computed. The MDS, derived using an integer linear programming model, was used to determine the smallest subset of nodes with systemic dominance across the network. Results: The MDS included 20 nodes, with seven showing a high out-degree (≥4), notably Apo A1, vitamin D, vitamin D deficiency, and sedentary lifestyle. Vitamin D exhibited 15 outgoing edges, connecting directly to protective factors like HDL and inversely to risk factors such as smoking and obesity. Sedentary behavior also showed high structural influence. Closeness centrality highlighted triglycerides, insulin resistance, uric acid, fasting plasma glucose, and HDL as nodes with strong predictive potential, based on their high closeness and multiple incoming connections. Conclusions: Vitamin D and sedentary behavior emerged as structurally dominant nodes in the GDM network. Alongside metabolically relevant nodes with high closeness centrality, these findings support the utility of graph-based network analysis for early detection and targeted clinical interventions in maternal health.