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June 15, 2026Open Access

Micronutrient and Haemato-biochemical Predictors of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM): A Case-control Study in Middle and Northern Ghana

DADaniel Ataanya AberaKumasi Technical University CLChristopher LarbieKwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology MMMohamed MutocheluhKwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Key Points

This study aims to identify micronutrient and haemato-biochemical predictors of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnant women.
Prospective case-control study with 180 pregnant women (130 with GDM, 50 controls).
Data collected through questionnaires and blood samples analyzed for biochemical parameters and micronutrients.
Statistical analysis conducted using SPSS version 26.0 and R, with significance set at P < 0.05.
'Dawadawa' intake (aOR = 7.41, 95% CI: (2.40-22.89); p=0.001) and Zinc intake (aOR = 3.57, 95% CI: (1.95-6.53); p < 0.0001) predict GDM.
Late gestational age (36-41 weeks) and specific dietary intakes (iron aOR = 0.02; liver aOR = 0.23) significantly reduce GDM risk.
Significant positive correlation between red blood cell count and fasting blood sugar (r = 0.196, p=0.025).

Abstract

Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), commonly diagnosed through an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), is a widespread pregnancy complication. This study addresses the gap in research on micronutrients and haemato-biochemical factors in GDM in Ghana, exploring these parameters as predictors among pregnant women. Methods In this prospective case-control study, 180 pregnant women, comprising 130 with gestational diabetes and 50 without (controls), were investigated at Tamale and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals. Socio-demographics, anthropometrics, and nutrition data were gathered through a questionnaire; blood samples were analysed for hemato-biochemical parameters and micronutrients. Statistical analysis employed SPSS version 26.0 and R with P < 0.05. Results This study found ‘dawadawa' intake (aOR = 7.41, 95% CI: (2.40-22.89); p=0.001), Zinc intake (aOR = 3.57, 95% CI: (1.95-6.53); p < 0.0001) and increasing platelet count (aOR = 1.12, 95%, p=0.009) independently predict GDM. However, late gestational age of 36-41 weeks, intake of only iron (aOR = 0.02, 95% CI: (0.00-0.15); p < 0.0001) and liver intake (aOR = 0.23, 95% CI: (0.09-0.60); p=0.001) independently decreased the chances of GDM by 80%, 98% and 77% respectively. In addition, chromium supplementation independently decreased GDM. A significant positive weak correlation was observed between red blood cell count (r = 0.196, p=0.025) and fasting blood sugar. Conclusion The current findings emphasize the need for effective strategies with a call for midwives to provide education and advocate dietary and behavioural adjustments for pregnant women.

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