Low vitamin D and blood pressure in women with gestational diabetes

This study investigated the link between vitamin D deficiency and high blood pressure in women with gestational diabetes (GD). It found that low vitamin D was associated with high blood pressure mainly in white women, rather than women with darker skin tones.

Vitamin D can be taken in food, or made in the skin in response to sunlight. Previous research has found that low vitamin D might be associated with high blood pressure. Low vitamin D during pregnancy has been linked to preeclampsia (a rare, serious condition in pregnancy where high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and swelling occur). High blood pressure has also been linked to a higher risk of preeclampsia.

Studies on the connection between vitamin D levels and blood pressure in pregnant women are limited. Even fewer studies have been done with women with GD.

184 women with GD were recruited for this study. They were examined during the third trimester, and in the weeks just after birth. Their blood pressure and vitamin D levels were measured.

Overall, there was a slight association between vitamin D deficiency and high blood pressure at the beginning of the third trimester in the study group. However, after adjusting for factors like body mass index (BMI; a measurement of weight that takes height into account) and medical history this association was insignificant.

There was a stronger association between low vitamin D and high blood pressure in the third trimester for white women. This relationship was moderately significant even when factors like BMI were taken into account. When women with darker skin tones were examined, no association was found.

This study concluded that low vitamin D was associated with high blood pressure in white women with GD during the third trimester.

Only 48 (26%) of the women in this study were not white. With such a small sample, this data may not be applicable to all such women. 

Talk to your physician about vitamin D deficiency. It is always important to discuss any type of supplementation (including vitamins) with your doctor.