Abstract
PurposeAn optimal diet for lowering the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is still to be defined, but may comprise of nutrient intakes, dietary patterns, diet quality, and eating frequency. This study was designed to investigate the contribution of diet in developing GDM in a comprehensive way.MethodsThe dietary intake of overweight or obese women, a risk group for GDM (n = 351), was assessed using 3-day food diaries and diet quality questionnaires in early pregnancy. Eating frequency and nutrient intakes were calculated, and dietary patterns identified using principal component analysis. The inflammatory potential of the diet was determined by calculating the dietary inflammatory index (DII®) and energy-adjusted DII (E-DII™). GDM was diagnosed with an oral glucose tolerance test at 24–28 gestational weeks.ResultsHigher adherence to ‘healthier dietary pattern’ characterized by consumptions of vegetables and rye bread associated with a reduced risk of GDM (adjusted OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.11–0.70). Higher E-DII score, indicating pro-inflammatory diet, was associated with a 27% higher risk of GDM (adjusted OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.08–1.49) for each E-DII point. In the evaluation of nutrient intakes, total fat, saturated fatty acids (SFAs), and trans fatty acids were higher and fiber lower in women developing GDM compared to women not developing GDM (all p < 0.05). Intakes of total fat, SFAs, and trans fatty acids were also significant predictors for GDM (all p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe results emphasize the importance of an overall healthy diet and limitation of foods with SFAs, and other nutrients with a high inflammatory potential in reducing the risk of GDM.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01922791, August 14, 2013.
Highlights
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common condition in pregnancy, affecting almost 17% of all pregnancies worldwide [1]
A Mediterranean pattern and a healthy dietary pattern characterized with vegetables, rye bread, fruits and berries, and fish are associated with a decreased risk of GDM [18,19,20]
In a comprehensive way, how dietary intake in early pregnancy affects the onset of GDM in women participating in a clinical mother–infant dietary intervention trial
Summary
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common condition in pregnancy, affecting almost 17% of all pregnancies worldwide [1]. Previous studies have indicated that a Western dietary pattern characterized with refined grains, high-fat dairy products, red meat, fast food, snacks, and sweets is associated with an elevated risk of GDM [15,16,17,18]. Eating frequency has been shown to affect the glucose homeostasis of pregnant women [25], known to be an important factor in the pathophysiology of GDM [26]. The objective of this study was to investigate the extent to which diet in early pregnancy contributes to the risk of developing GDM in a high-risk group of women with overweight or obesity. We took a comprehensive approach and evaluated the relations between nutrient intakes, dietary patterns, overall diet quality, and eating frequency with the development of GDM.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
