Abstract
Background: This study sought to evaluate the association between selected micronutrients (zinc, copper, and magnesium), pre-pregnancy BMI, and weight gain during pregnancy with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus third-trimester pregnant women Urmia, Iran. Methods: This analytic cross-sectional study included 400 pregnant women. The nutritional, demographic, clinical data, and fasting blood samples (selected micronutrients and blood glucose) were evaluated. The data were analyzed using chi-square, independent t-test, and logistic regression tests. Results: The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was 18%. The OR for GDM was (OR: 0.329; 95% CI: 0.156-0.696) in normal-weight compared to mothers who were obese before pregnancy. Normal serum zinc concentration was associated with 0.413-fold lower rates of developing GDM (95% CI: 0.227-0.750). Magnesium supplementation was inversely associated with the risk of GDM (OR: 0.986; 95% CI: 0.979-0.994). Inadequate and excessive gestational weight gain was significantly associated with developing GDM in lean and obese women before pregnancy, respectively (p=0.01, p=0.003). Conclusions: Gestational diabetes is highly prevalent in Urmia, and it is likely related to excessive serum zinc concentrations, elevated pre-pregnancy BMI, and gestational weight gain.