Effect of Maternal Diabetes on Cord Blood Concentrations of Iron Status Parameters

Abstract

I ron is essential element involved in a broad range of biologically important reactions critical for cellular function and also plays role in oxygen transfering and despite its low daily requirements iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder in the world Un controlled diabetes mellitus during gestation is associated with maternal and fetal hyperglycemia, fetal hyperinsulinemia, increased fetal metabolic rate and oxygen consumption, The increased fetal oxygen consumption in a relatively hypoxic intrauterine environment stimulates erythropoiesis and expands the fetal RBC mass. Perinatal iron deficiency adversely affects the growth and functions of multiple organ systems, including heart, skeletal muscle, the gastrointestinal tract and brain, immune system and associated with temperature instability