Maternal dietary components in the development of gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review of observational studies to timely promotion of health

Abstract

Background There is ample evidence that considers diet as an important factor in the prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The aim of this review is to synthesise the existing evidence on the relationship between GDM and maternal dietary components. Methods We performed a systematic bibliographic search in Medline, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (Lilacs) and the Latin American Nutrition Archive (ALAN) of regional and local literature, limiting the searches to observational studies published between 2016 and 2022. Search terms related to nutrients, foods, dietary patterns and the relationship to GDM risk were used. The review included 44 articles, 12 of which were from America. The articles considered different topics about maternal dietary components as follows: 14 are about nutrient intake, 8 about food intake, 4 combined nutrient and food analysis and 18 about dietary patterns. Results Iron, processed meat and a low carbohydrate diet were positively associated with GDM. Antioxidant nutrients, folic acid, fruits, vegetables, legumes and eggs were negatively associated with GDM. Generally, western dietary patterns increase GDM risk, and prudent dietary patterns or plant-based diets decrease the risk. Conclusions Diet is considered one of the causes of GDM. However, there is no homogeneity in how people eat nor in how researchers assess diet in different contextual conditions of the world.

Recent progress in metabolic reprogramming in gestational diabetes mellitus: a review

“…GDM can be detected, diagnosed, and treated. Excessive weight gain during pregnancy, pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and maternal age are risk factors for developing GDM ( 64 , 65 ). GDM management comprises self-monitoring of blood glucose, lifestyle interventions, and medication.…”

“…developing GDM (64,65). GDM management comprises selfmonitoring of blood glucose, lifestyle interventions, and medication.…”

“…Dietary recommendations for GDM include sufficient macronutrients and micronutrients to support fetal growth while limiting dietary carbohydrate intake (68). Diet is important in GDM prevention in pregnant women (64). In addition, implementing a carbohydrate-restricted diet or nutritional counseling and other dietary interventions can effectively improve hyperglycemia in people with GDM and delay insulin use during pregnancy (68)(69)(70).…”

Does an elevated HbA1c of 41–49 mmol/mol during pregnancy associate with gestational diabetes mellitus?

“…1,2 Broadly identified as hyperglycaemia during pregnancy, GDM associates with a number of maternal and foetal complications including macrosomia, pre-eclampsia, caesarean delivery and neonatal hyperglycaemia. 3 It is extremely important to minimise GDM risk, including ensuring that all pregnant women are educated around the need for a nutritious, non-processed diet, 4 with optimal gestational weight gain. 5 Since 2015, national Diabetes in Pregnancy guidelines promote the need for universal screening for GDM at 24-28 weeks' gestation following screening for undiagnosed type 2 diabetes using a glycated haemoglobin (HbA 1c ) test as a part of antenatal booking bloods.…”

Nutrient Intake among Pregnant Women in Spain and Poland: A Comparative Analysis

“…Prenatal nutrition plays a crucial role in the proper development of pregnancy, maternal health, and the growth and development of the fetus [ 1 ]. Taking care of maternal dietary habits and optimal nutrient intake is of great importance to prevent nutritional imbalances, which can be detrimental to maternal and infant health and even lead to mid- and long-term consequences, such as low birth weight, fetal growth restriction and risk of chronic diseases later in life [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. It is, therefore, common to find guidelines recommending healthy eating behaviors during pregnancy to optimize maternal and fetal health [ 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”