Predictors of Gestational Diabetes Among Women Living in Food Deserts [30D

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with many adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. The aim of this study is to identify the relationship between GDM and access to affordable grocery stores. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of patients delivering at a single institution. Food insecurity was determined using patient address overlaid with USDA Food Access Research Atlas. Patients living >0.5 miles from a supermarket were identified as living in a food desert (FD). GDM clinical data was compared to FD data using chi square, regression analyses. RESULTS: Of 744 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 74 (9.94%) were diagnosed with GDM during their current pregnancy with 2.55% having a previous history of GDM. 517 patients lived in FD and were more likely to be multiparous and of minority race. 60.8% (45/74) of patients diagnosed with GDM during the current pregnancy lived in a FD. The frequency of GDM in women living in FDs was lower than those in Food Secure (FS) tracts (0.09% vs 1.2%, P=.1). Women living in FDs with GDM experienced greater rates of chronic hypertension than those in FS areas (15.2% vs 10.3%, P=.002). Higher order multiple gestation, advanced maternal age, preeclampsia with severe features, and history of GDM were significant predictors for GDM in women living in FD (P<.05). CONCLUSION: Women living in food deserts are not at an increased risk for GDM but are for having chronic hypertension if they have GDM compared to those living in FS.