Association of maternal iron deficiency anemia with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis

Purpose: The aim of the study was to conduct a meta-analysis investigating the association of maternal iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods: Literature search was conducted in various database websites such as PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science up to 17 June 2018 for related publications written in English. Selected data were extracted from the included studies and were subjected to statistical analysis. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed, pooled, and interpreted. Subgroup analysis by ethnicity (Asians vs. Caucasians) was also performed.

Results: Six studies with a total sample size of 15,157 from various countries were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled ORs of all publications included show that pregnant women with IDA have a reduced risk of developing GDM (OR 0.61; 95% CI 0.47-0.80; P^A = 0.0003). Subgroup analysis, on the other hand, showed significant associations among Asians (OR 0.60; 95% CI 0.45-0.79; P^A = 0.0003) than Caucasians (OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.32-1.76; P^A = 0.52).

Conclusion: Results of this meta-analysis suggests that pregnant women with IDA are 39% less likely to develop GDM. However, more studies are needed to confirm the claims of our results.