High levels of iron can lead to diabetes during pregnancy

A high level of iron in the body of pregnant women was associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes. Given these data, is it possible to consider the use of iron supplements, which are usually recommended during pregnancy, justified?

Results of the new study

A new study showed that women with high levels of iron during the second trimester of pregnancy are twice as likely to get gestational diabetes, compared with those with the lowest iron level.

"The results of our study raise potential concerns about the recommendations for taking iron supplements to pregnant women if they already have enough of it," said study author Shristi Raval. She is an epidemiologist at the American National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

However, the study showed only a link between the level of iron and gestational diabetes. It was not designed to prove a cause-effect relationship.

In what cases should pregnant women take supplements

Nevertheless, at least one expert expressed concern about these results. "This study shows that doctors should not treat all pregnant women equally," said Dr. Robert Corji, an endocrinologist at the Southside Hospital in New York.

"We need to diagnose iron deficiency before prescribing supplements," he said. "Indeed, there is a large proportion of pregnant women who need such therapy."

"If subsequent studies can confirm the association between iron supplementation and gestational diabetes, it will be necessary to identify women whose iron levels are sufficient to avoid unnecessary therapy," Korji concluded.

How does the risk of diabetes increase?

The study covered cases of 107 women who had gestational diabetes. They were compared to 214 women who did not have this disease.

In particular, the researchers studied several markers in the blood, according to which they could calculate the amount of iron in the body. These markers include hepcidin, ferritin, and a soluble transferrin receptor.

According to Raval, pregnant women with high levels of iron markers in the first or second trimester of pregnancy have an increased risk of developing diabetes.

For example, for pregnant women in the first trimester, who were 25% of women with the highest ferritin levels (a marker that indicates how much iron is stored in the body), the risk of developing gestational diabetes has doubled compared to those related to 25 % With the lowest level of this marker.

Women who had the highest level of ferritin in the second trimester had almost four times the risk of developing diabetes, compared with those whose level was the lowest.

Why does the body need iron

Iron plays a role in the development of gestational diabetes by increasing the level of oxidative stress, which can lead to damage or even death of beta cells of the pancreas. They produce insulin, so their damage or loss can lead to disruption of this function. In the liver, a high iron content can cause resistance to insulin, the researchers say.

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends screening and treatment only when necessary, when iron deficiency is diagnosed. However, the World Health Organization recommends the usual iron supplements, the researchers note.

An excessively high level of iron can lead to gestational diabetes, but too low can be even more harmful, says Dr. Jill Rabin. She is the co-director of the outpatient department in medical programs for women.

Iron in the blood carries oxygen to the cells of the body. Pregnant women need enough iron to provide the baby's future with oxygen. If there is a shortage and oxygen in the right amount does not reach the fetus, it can affect the development of the baby.

The best defense against gestational diabetes is to optimize a woman's weight even before she decides to have a baby. Women should always pay attention to their health before they start planning a pregnancy.

The results of the study were published on November 10 in Diabetologia.