Evaluation of Iodine Supplementation in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes: IODIAB Study

Abstract

Background: Iodine supplementation is indicated by the French National Authority for Health (HAS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) during pregnancy. This study investigates whether this supplementation is consistently prescribed in line with WHO recommendations in pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus. Method: A total of 99 women with a diagnosis of gestational diabetes were included in the study and were all closely monitored. Results: Only 17 (17.2%) patients received the recommended iodine supplementation. The follow-up, whether conducted by a gynecologist or midwife, did not influence the prescription of iodine supplements. By contrast, 72 (72.7%) of patients received folic acid supplementation. Conclusions: The prescription of iodine supplementation for the pregnant women included in our study is insufficient. Few practitioners seem aware of the recommendations, even when the pregnancy is complicated by gestational diabetes.