Role of ferritin and oxidative stress index in gestational diabetes mellitus

Objectives To investigate the role of serum ferritin and oxidative stress in the development of GDM and to assess their relationship with the ensuing hyperglycemia. Methods A case-control study was carried on 90 non-anemic pregnant women of 20-40 years with a gestation of 24-28 weeks. Study group (n = 65) was identified according to the Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India (DIPSI) criteria (2-h plasma glucose >= 140 mg/dl) and controls (n = 25) having 2-h plasma glucose < 120 mg/dl. DIPSI 2-h plasma glucose, HbA1c and serum ferritin were measured and oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Statistical tests were performed using SPSS version 25.0. Results Pre-pregnancy BMI showed a significant difference between control and study group. DIPSI 2 h blood glucose, HbA1c, serum ferritin and OSI were significantly higher in study group compared to control group. Both 2 h blood glucose and HbA1c were positively correlated with serum ferritin and OSI, serum ferritin and OSI were also positively correlated with each other. Conclusion Higher pre-pregnancy BMI elevates serum ferritin, which in turn increases the OSI. Both ferritin and oxidative stress raises 2 h blood glucose and HbA1c in GDM patients possibly by causing in-vivo pancreatic beta -cell injury and death (ferroptosis). Serum ferritin and OSI could become newer personalized theranostic and monitoring targets in overweight/obese pregnant females especially GDM patients.

Automated summary

The study investigated the impact of pre-pregnancy BMI on serum ferritin and oxidative stress levels in GDM patients, leading to higher blood glucose levels. Serum ferritin and oxidative stress were positively correlated with 2 h blood glucose and HbA1c, potentially causing pancreatic beta-cell injury and death. Serum ferritin and OSI could be potential therapeutic and monitoring targets for overweight/obese pregnant females, especially those with GDM.