Children exposed to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in utero are at high risk of developing many health problems such as obesity. There is an urgent need to find new strategies to prevent obesity development among high-risk populations such as those children. Accordingly, the aim of this review was to summarize current knowledge on the postnatal prevention of childhood obesity in offspring born from mothers with GDM. Specifically, this review addresses the impact of breastfeeding, complementary feeding practices as well as dietary intake and physical activity during childhood on obesity risk of children exposed to GDM in utero. Furthermore, breast milk composition of diabetic mothers and its potential impact on growth is discussed. According to the available literature, breastfeeding may reduce obesity risk in children exposed to GDM in utero but a longer duration seems necessary to achieve its protective effect against obesity. Detailed analysis of breast milk composition of mothers with GDM will be necessary to fully understand the relationship between breastfeeding and obesity in this specific population. This review highlights the need for more studies addressing the impact of complementary feeding practices and lifestyle habits during childhood on obesity risk of children exposed to GDM in utero.

The present study aimed to characterize dietary intake and diet quality from late pregnancy to six months postpartum. Participants (n = 28) completed 2–3 Web-based 24 h recalls at three distinct periods: (1) during the third trimester of pregnancy; (2) three months and (3) six months after delivery. Energy, macro-and micronutrient intakes (from foods and supplements), as well as the Canadian healthy eating index (C-HEI) were derived from the dietary recalls. No significant variation in energy and macronutrient intakes was observed between time points. The proportion of women taking at least one supplement decreased over time (p = 0.003). The total intake of several micronutrients (vitamins A, C, D, group B vitamins, iron, magnesium, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, and copper) decreased significantly over time (p < 0.05 for all micronutrients). The total C-HEI score and its components did not change, except for the total vegetables and fruit subscore, which decreased over time (8.2 ± 2.0 in the 3rd trimester, 7.1 ± 2.2 at three months postpartum, 6.9 ± 2.4 at 6 months postpartum, p = 0.04). In conclusion, we observed a general stability in diet quality, energy, and macronutrient intakes from the third trimester of pregnancy to six months postpartum. However, several micronutrient intakes decreased over time, mostly due to changes in supplement use.

No abstract

Children born from mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at high-risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. To date, there is a lack of effective strategies to prevent these complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between diet quality and anthropometric and glycemic profiles of children exposed (GDM+) and unexposed (GDM–) to GDM. A total of 104 GDM+ and 38 GDM– children were included. Two 24-h dietary recall questionnaires were used to assess dietary intakes. The Healthy Eating Index adapted for the Canadian population (HEI-C) was used to assess diet quality. Spearman correlations adjusted for children’s age and sex were computed. Mean age was 6.0 ± 2.5 and 6.8 ± 2.3 years for GDM+ and GDM–, respectively (p = 0.03). Total HEI-C score was negatively associated with the android-to-gynoid fat mass ratio (r = −0.29, p = 0.03) and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index (r = −0.22, p = 0.04) in GDM+ children only. The prevalence of being overweight or obese during childhood was 4-fold higher among GDM+ children with a HEI-C score ≤70 compared to GDM+ children with a HEI-C score >70. Results of this study show that a healthy diet is associated with a better cardiometabolic health profile in GDM+ children, including a lower risk of being overweight or obese.

No abstract