effect of oral iron supplementation on glucose metabolism in non-anemic pregnant women who are in the risk group for gestational diabetes mellitus

Aim: There are opinions about the negative effects of the increase in iron storages or plasma iron levels during pregnancy on glucose metabolism. We aimed to investigate the effects of oral iron supplementation on glucose metabolism in non-anemic pregnant women who are in the risk group for gestational diabetes mellitus. Material and methods: While oral iron supplementation of 40 mg/day was givento 41 pregnant women in the study group (Group I) for eight weeks, oral iron supplementation was not givento 35 pregnant women in the control group (Group II). 100 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was applied for the diagnosis of GDM in pregnant women whose 50 g OGTT results were positive.  Analyzing the results between groups. Results:There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of mean fasting plasma glucose (FPG) value (p: 0.185), GDM (p:0.292) and mean results of 50gr OGLT (p: 0.109).A total of 26 pregnant women with 50 gr OGLT positive were applied 100 gr OGTT for diagnostic purposes. Conclusion:It was concluded that 40 mg/day oral iron supplement used from the first trimester in pregnant women in the risk group for GDM did not have a significant negative effect on glucose metabolism and did not cause an increase in the risk of GDM.