Evaluating the Predictive Value of HOMA-IR in Gestational Diabetes: A Case-Control Study from Romania

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common metabolic disorder during pregnancy, associated with increased risks for both maternal and fetal complications. Insulin resistance plays a central role in its pathophysiology. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) in diagnosing GDM and to explore its correlation with clinical and anthropometric parameters in a Romanian population. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was conducted on 320 pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation. Based on ADA criteria, participants were divided into 160 with GDM and 160 controls, matched by age and gestational week. Fasting glucose, insulin, BMI, and blood pressure were assessed. HOMA-IR and HOMA-β were calculated. Statistical analyses included t-tests, Pearson correlation, and logistic regression. Results: HOMA-IR was significantly higher in the GDM group (2.9 vs. 1.8; p < 0.001). It correlated with fasting insulin (r = 0.85, p < 0.001), fasting glucose (r = 0.65, p < 0.001), BMI (r = 0.60, p < 0.001), and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.42, p < 0.001). Logistic regression identified HOMA-IR as an independent predictor of GDM (OR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.6-3.5, p < 0.001), along with BMI (p = 0.01) and maternal age (p = 0.05). Conclusions: HOMA-IR is significantly associated with GDM and may enhance mid-gestational risk assessment when combined with clinical and anthropometric measures. Further studies are needed to validate its predictive accuracy in broader populations.

Keywords: HOMA-IR; body mass index (BMI); gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); insulin resistance.

Figure 1

Flowchart showing patient selection and final study sample.