SF

This prospective study investigated the relationship between serum ferritin levels in early pregnancy (12–16 weeks) and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in 1,384 pregnant women. Women who developed GDM had significantly higher serum ferritin levels compared to those who did not (p=0.01). A serum ferritin threshold of 45 ng/mL (75th percentile) was associated with a 1.4-fold increased risk of GDM (OR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.0–1.87, p=0.01). After adjustment for age, the odds ratio remained significant (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.02–1.86, p=0.03). However, after additional adjustment for pre-pregnancy BMI, the association was no longer statistically significant (adjusted OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 0.96–1.79, p=0.08). Multivariable adjustment (age and BMI) yielded similar results (adjusted OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 0.95–1.8, p=0.09). The study suggests that high serum ferritin may be a potential risk factor for GDM, although the association may be influenced by confounding factors such as BMI.