Food Insecurity and Perinatal Outcomes in Gestational Diabetics [11D

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This study's purpose was to 1) evaluate the association between food secure (FS) and food insecure (FI) households in patients with gestational diabetes (GDM) and without gestational diabetes (NGDM), 2) evaluate if GDM in FI households had adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. METHODS: This was an observational study from October 2018 until July 2019. Postpartum women, who delivered, singleton infants ≥37 weeks gestation were recruited. Participants completed a food security survey using the USDA Household Food Security Survey Module. Surveys responses were classified as: FS and FI. The primary outcome was to evaluate the rate of FS in GDM & NGDM. We also evaluated: maternal weight (BMI, total gain), birth weight, mode of delivery, and NICU admission for hypoglycemia. A logistic regression analysis was used with a P<.05 considered significant. RESULTS: There were 74 patients (36-GDM, 38-NGDM; P=.01). Overall, 50 (68%) had FS & 24 (32%) had FI (P=.01). Of the 36 GDM patients, 47% (n=17) reported FI, versus 18% (n=7) of NGDM patients (P=.01). Overall, 12% (n=9) of patients had a NICU admission. In GDM group, significant findings between FI vs. FS included: higher maternal weight (BMI 36 kg/m2 vs. 30 kg/m2, total weight gain of 26.7 lbs vs. 16.7 lbs, P=.01) and NICU admissions for hypoglycemia (35% vs. 5%, P=.04). CONCLUSION: Gestational diabetics are at increased risk of experiencing FI and will have increased maternal weight gain. Infants of GDM in FI households are at more risk of NICU admission for hypoglycemia.