Alterations in vitamin D metabolites and minerals in diabetic pregnancy.

Vitamin D metabolites and minerals involved in bone metabolism were studied in 68 control mothers, 14 gestational diabetics and 68 insulin-dependent diabetics during pregnancy and at delivery. 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D concentrations were significantly (p less than 0.001) lower in insulin-dependent diabetics than in the control or gestational diabetic groups. A similar difference was also observed between infants. 24,25(OH)2D, phosphorus and magnesium values were similar in all groups. Corrected calcium values were significantly lower in both mothers (p less than 0.001) and infants (p less than 0.05) in the insulin-dependent group than in the other two groups. Postpartum, 10% of infants of diabetic mothers received calcium therapy. Our results show alterations in vitamin D and mineral metabolism in pregnant insulin-dependent diabetics and their newborn infants and indicate observation during pregnancy and after delivery.