SOME BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH GESTATIONAL DIABETES.

This study investigated the relationships between specific biological factors and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). A retrospective case-control study was conducted in pregnant women with GDM and in healthy pregnant women who served as a control group. ABO and Rh blood groups, maternal age, pre-pregnancy and third-trimester body mass index (BMI), and first-trimester thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels were analyzed in both groups. Associations were assessed using the chi-square (χ²) test, together with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Our research shows no significant association between ABO or Rh blood groups and the risk of GDM. Advanced maternal age is a moderate risk factor for GDM (OR=1.92, 95% CI: 1.07-3.42, χ²=8.16, p=0.043). Elevated maternal BMI was strongly associated with GDM risk OR=13.98. 95% CI: 4.8 - 40.9, χ²=43.40, and P<0.0001. FT4 imbalance was more prevalent among women with GDM (OR=3.34, 95% CI: 1.72-6.55, χ²=14.29, p=0.0008). TSH alterations were associated with GDM to a lesser extent. Our research shows that maternal age, BMI, and FT4 imbalance emerged as relevant risk factors for the development of GDM. ABO and Rh blood groups did not appear to be independent contributors to GDM. Early identification of such risk factors is essential for the timely management and prevention of GDM.