ABSTRACT
Diabetes mellitus is characterized by hyperglycemia and is closely related to trace elements. Quite a few pregnant women suffer from impaired glucose tolerance [IGT] or gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM. Investigation of the changes of trace elements contents in the serum of the pregnant women with GDM is significant in the etiological research and cure of the diseases. The study carried out in Al Kadhmiya Teaching Hospital in Baghdad from January 2004 to December 2004 on twenty pregnant women whom their pregnancies were complicated by gestational diabetes. Levels of trace elements such as selenium [Se], copper [Cu], iron [Fe], zinc [Zn], chromium [Cr], magnesium [Mg] and manganese [Mn] were measured in their blood serum by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer and compared with 20 healthy pregnant women. Maternal serum levels of selenium and manganese were significantly decreased in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Zinc and chromium levels were not significantly decreased, while magnesium level was increased significantly in women with gestational diabetes, copper and iron levels are not changed. Trace elements are essential materials for human body, and play a role in pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes. Dietary supplements of certain trace elements may decrease occurrence of gestational diabetes and its complications to the mother and her fetus