Effects of zinc supplementation on glycemic control and complications of gestational diabetes

Objectives: To investigate the effects of zinc supplementation on pregnancy outcome in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus. Methodology: During the randomized double blind clinical trial 60 women with gestational diabetes mellitus from 32nd of gestational age were assigned to two equal groups to receive 25mg zinc sulfate orally per day as case or placebo as control. Then, groups were compared regarding insulin dosage needs, macrosomia and preeclampsia. Results: Insulin requirements and dosage changes during the investigation were lower in the case group than in the control (P 0.001). Women in the zinc supplemental group had a lower percentage of large infants compared to control (P 0.01). There were no significant differences between two groups regarding the rates of preeclampsia and cesarean delivery. Conclusions: This study showed that zinc supplementation in gestational diabetes could reduce insulin needs and improve glycemic control of these patients and it may also reduce macrosomia.