Postpartum Dietary Changes in Women With Previous Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This study was conducted to determine whether nutrition education upon diagnosis of GDM resulted in dietary change and whether this change was sustained postpartum. METHODS Women with GDM or impaired glucose tolerance of pregnancy (≤ 32 weeks gestation) (n = 19) were recruited, and 4-day food records were collected pre-dietary intervention, 2 weeks post-dietary intervention, and 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. Physical activity was assessed, and glucose tolerance and lipid profiles were also determined postpartum. RESULTS After nutrition education there was a significant increase in protein (% kcal), milk and milk products (servings) and dietary fibre (g) intake, as well as meal frequency (number of meals/day). However, these changes were not subsequently sustained throughout the postpartum period. Physical activity levels did not change, and at 6 months postpartum, 26% of subjects had impaired glucose tolerance and 97% had at least 1 abnormal lipid variable. CONCLUSIONS Women with GDM made changes in eating patterns during pregnancy, but these were not maintained postpartum. Further intervention is recommended during the postpartum period for women with GDM to sustain changes made during pregnancy.