Abstract

 Introduction: Identification of women at risk of diabetes mellitus a most prevalent disorder in pregnancy, could be useful. This 2009 study investigated whether high maternal Hemoglobin (Hb) level in the first trimester would be associated with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in women referring to healthcare centers in Tehran. Materials and Methods: A case-control was conducted on 60 pregnant women with gestational diabetes (case group) and 61 pregnant women without the condition (control group) referring to healthcare clinics affiliated to the Research Center of Endocrinology and Metabolism of the Ayatolah Taleghani Hospital as well as Iran Research Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, selected by convenience sampling. An information form was used for collecting data by interviewing the subjects. Both groups were matched for age, number of abortions and parity. Results: Demographic characteristics were similar in the two groups. Levels of Hb (>13. 8g/dl) in the case group were higher than in the control group (60% vs. 6. 6%) significant difference between the 2 groups (p=0. 0001) with an estimated odds ratio (OR) 7. 61 (CI 95% = 2. 72 -21. 28). Conclusion: Findings showed a significant relationship between high maternal Hb and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Healthcare workers can use the results of this study to monitor high maternal hemoglobin in the first trimester as a significant risk factor for gestational diabetes. Thus, in selected screening programs for gestational diabetes in terms of risk factors, women should undergo GTT and preventive measures with less time and cost can be taken decrease the complications.