Association between Maternal Serum Magnesium Levels and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common metabolic disorder during pregnancy associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Magnesium plays an important role in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Reduced maternal serum magnesium levels may contribute to insulin resistance and the development of GDM. This study aimed to evaluate the association between maternal serum magnesium levels and gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods & Materials: This case–control study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January 2025 to December 2025. A total of 102 pregnant women aged 18–35 years with gestational age between 24 and 40 weeks were included. Results: The mean serum magnesium level was significantly lower in the GDM group compared to the control group (1.58 ± 0.28 mg/dL vs 1.92 ± 0.24 mg/dL, p<0.001). A higher proportion of GDM patients had low serum magnesium levels (<1.7 mg/dL) compared with controls (64.7% vs 29.4%). Low serum magnesium was associated with a significantly increased risk of GDM (OR = 4.36; 95% CI: 1.97–9.63; p<0.001). Additionally, BMI distribution differed significantly between the groups (p=0.04). Conclusion: Lower maternal serum magnesium levels are significantly associated with gestational diabetes mellitus. Monitoring serum magnesium during pregnancy may help identify women at increased risk of GDM and contribute to improved maternal metabolic management.