Dietary Micronutrients and the Risk of Gestational Diabetes: Evidence from a Tertiary Care Setting in India

Authors

• Sujatha Mahadevarao Premnath, Pondicherry Institute of Medical SciencesFollow
• Moneesh Sivasoupramaniane, Pondicherry Institute of Medical SciencesFollow
• Maghida S, Pondicherry Institute of Medical SciencesFollow

Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8402-0935

Corresponding Author

Dr. Sujatha Mahadevarao Premnath 

[email protected]

Abstract

Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a significant health concern in India, affecting nearly 22.4% of pregnant women. While macronutrient roles are well explored, the impact of micronutrients on GDM risk, particularly with the Indian ethnic phenotype, requires exploration

Objectives: To compare the micronutrient intake between GDM and non-GDM pregnancies and evaluate the association between specific dietary micronutrients and GDM risk

Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 115 South Indian pregnant women. Dietary history was taken using 24-hour recalls on two occasions and analysed via the Indian Food Composition Table (IFCT). GDM was diagnosed using International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria. Logistic regression identified independent predictors of GDM.

Results: Women with GDM had significantly lower daily intakes of iron (P =0.001), magnesium=0.038), zinc (P=0.038), riboflavin (P=0.047), niacin (p=0.003)and Vitamin E (P=0.001) compared to the non-GDM group. Multivariate analysis showed that maternal age, BMI, and PCOS are significant clinical risks; higher intakes of iron (AOR=0.89), zinc (AOR=0.84), and vitamin B3 (AOR=0.91) act as independent protective factors against GDM. Notably, over 85% of all participants failed to meet the RDA for iron and calcium.

Conclusion: Reduced intake of key micronutrients—specifically iron, zinc, and B vitamins—is associated with an increased risk of GDM. Findings emphasise the need for early nutritional assessment and micronutrient optimisation alongside conventional clinical management in antenatal care

Publication Date

2026

Publisher

JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research

Conflict of Interest

Nil

Keywords

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Nutrition, Micronutrients, Recommended Dietary Allowance

Word Count

2994

Comments

Nil

Recommended Citation

Premnath SM, Sivasoupramaniane M, S M. Dietary Micronutrients and the Risk of Gestational Diabetes: Evidence from a Tertiary Care Setting in India. Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2026; 8(2): -. doi: https://doi.org/10.55691/2582-3868.1330

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Cover Page Footnote

Micronutrients in Gestational Diabetes