A prospective study of dietary patterns, meat intake and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus

Aims/hypothesis The aim of this study was to prospectively examine whether dietary patterns are related to risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).Methods This prospective cohort study included 13,110 women who were free of cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and history of GDM. Subjects completed a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire in 1991, and reported at least one singleton pregnancy between 1992 and 1998 in the Nurses’ Health Study II. Two major dietary patterns (i.e. ‘prudent’ and ‘Western’) were identified through factor analysis. The prudent pattern was characterised by a high intake of fruit, green leafy vegetables, poultry and fish, whereas the Western pattern was characterised by high intake of red meat, processed meat, refined grain products, sweets, French fries and pizza.Results We documented 758 incident cases of GDM. After adjustment for age, parity, pre-pregnancy BMI and other covariates, the relative risk (RR) of GDM, comparing the highest with the lowest quintile of the Western pattern scores, was 1.63 (95% CI 1.20–2.21; p _trend=0.001), whereas the RR comparing the lowest with the highest quintile of the prudent pattern scores was 1.39 (95% CI 1.08–1.80; p _trend=0.018). The RR for each increment of one serving/day was 1.61 (95% CI 1.25–2.07) for red meat and 1.64 (95% CI 1.13–2.38) for processed meat.Conclusions/interpretation These findings suggest that pre-pregnancy dietary patterns may affect women’s risk of developing GDM. A diet high in red and processed meat was associated with a significantly elevated risk.     

Effect of maternal perceived stress during pregnancy on gestational diabetes mellitus risk: A prospective case-control study

Background and aimsA variety of risk factors have been reported for the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). But limited review on the role of antenatal perceived stress necessitated the design of the present study to evaluate the association between GDM and perceived stress during pregnancy.MethodsA prospective case-control study was carried out among 100 GDM cases and 273 matched controls, attending regular antenatal clinic at two private hospitals of Karnataka. Data was collected by personal interviews using a standard questionnaire. Perceived stress was assessed using the Cohen 10-item Perceived Stress Scale. Score of ≥20 was identified as high stress. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 15 was used for analysis.ResultsExposure rates for high maternal perceived stress among cases during pregnancy were noted. The odds of GDM were 13 folds higher among those with high antenatal stress (≥20) compared to those with low (<20) (p < 0.001) perceived stress. No correlation between maternal antenatal stress and blood glucose following OGTT was noted.ConclusionsThe study identified high perceived stress during pregnancy as a potential risk factor for GDM.     

A longitudinal study of iron status during pregnancy and the risk of gestational diabetes: findings from a prospective,multiracial cohort

Aims/hypothesis

The aim of this study was to prospectively and longitudinally investigate maternal iron status during early to mid-pregnancy, and subsequent risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), using a comprehensive panel of conventional and novel iron biomarkers.

Methods

A case–control study of 107 women with GDM and 214 controls (matched on age, race/ethnicity and gestational week during blood collection) was conducted within the the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Fetal Growth Studies–Singleton Cohort (2009–2013), a prospective and multiracial pregnancy cohort. Plasma hepcidin, ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) were measured and sTfR:ferritin ratio was derived, twice before GDM diagnosis (gestational weeks 10–14 and 15–26) and at weeks 23–31 and 33–39. GDM diagnosis was ascertained from medical records. Adjusted ORs (aORs) for GDM were estimated using conditional logistic regression analysis, adjusting for demographics, prepregnancy BMI and other major risk factors.

Results

Hepcidin concentrations during weeks 15–26 were 16% higher among women with GDM vs controls (median 6.4 vs 5.5 ng/ml; p?=?0.02 ), and were positively associated with GDM risk; the aOR (95% CI) for highest vs lowest quartile was 2.61 (1.07, 6.36). Ferritin levels were also positively associated with GDM risk; the aOR (95% CI) for highest vs lowest quartile was 2.43 (1.12, 5.28) at weeks 10–14 and 3.95 (1.38, 11.30) at weeks 15–26. The sTfR:ferritin ratio was inversely related to GDM risk; the aOR (95% CI) for highest vs lowest quartile was 0.33 (0.14, 0.80) at weeks 10–14 and 0.15 (0.05, 0.48) at weeks 15–26.

Conclusions/interpretation

Our findings suggest that elevated iron stores may be involved in the development of GDM from as early as the first trimester. This raises potential concerns for the recommendation of routine iron supplementation among iron-replete pregnant women.

     

Association between maternal alcohol use during pregnancy and gestational diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis

International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries - Maternal alcohol use and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have been serious public health issues worldwide. This study aimed to...     

Association between sleep duration in early pregnancy and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective cohort study

AimsAs cohort studies of the impact of sleep duration during early pregnancy on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are lacking, our study aimed to explore the association between sleep duration in the first trimester and GDM in one region of mainland China.MethodsFor this prospective cohort study, sleep duration data were collected from 3692 pregnant women at the first prenatal care appointment before 14 weeks of gestation. Multivariable log-binomial regression models were used to analyze the association of sleep duration with GDM after adjusting for demographic characteristics, health status (such as family history of diabetes, history of GDM, prepregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain) and lifestyle habits (such as physical activity, dietary intakes).ResultsOur cohort included 166 (4.5%) short sleepers and 505 (14%) long sleepers. Shorter sleep duration was more likely to be observed in women aged ≥35 years who were multiparous, and had previous pregnancy, insufficient gestational weight gain, engaged in more vigorous physical activity, drank alcohol, were vegan and/or never took folic-acid supplements. Compared with normal sleepers (29%), the prevalence of GDM was significantly higher in short sleepers (38%; P = 0.01), but not in long sleepers (31%; P = 0.224). In the multivariable model, women with short sleep durations during early pregnancy had a 32% greater risk of GDM [adjusted risk ratio (aRR): 1.32, 95% CI: 1.06–1.63], whereas long sleepers did not (aRR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.94–1.26).ConclusionShort sleep duration during early pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of GDM. This suggests that more attention should be paid to controlling the development of GDM in pregnant women with insufficient sleep.     

Pre-pregnancy fried food consumption and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective cohort study

Aims/hypothesis

Fried foods are frequently consumed in Western countries. However, the health effects of frequent fried food consumption in humans are not well understood. We aimed to prospectively examine the association between pre-pregnancy fried food consumption and risk of incident gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

We included 21,079 singleton pregnancies from 15,027 women in the Nurses' Health Study II cohort. Since 1991 and every 4 years thereafter, we collected diet information, including consumption of fried foods at home and away from home, using a validated food frequency questionnaire. We used generalised estimating equations with log-binomial models to estimate the RRs and 95% CIs.

Results

We documented 847 incident GDM pregnancies during 10 years of follow-up. After adjustment for age, parity, dietary and non-dietary factors, the RRs (95% CIs) of GDM among women who consumed total fried foods 1–3, 4–6 and ≥7 times/week, compared with those who consumed it less than once/week, were 1.13 (0.97, 1.32), 1.31 (1.08, 1.59) and 2.18 (1.53, 3.09), respectively (p for trend <0.001). The association persisted after further adjustment for BMI (p for trend?=?0.01). When analysed separately, we found a significant association of GDM with fried food consumption away from home, but not with fried food consumption at home.

Conclusions/interpretation

Frequent fried food consumption, particularly away from home, was significantly associated with a greater risk of incident GDM. Our study indicates potential benefits of limiting fried food consumption in the prevention of GDM in women of reproductive age.     

The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus in Bangladesh: a systematic review and meta-analysis

International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries - Currently, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a major public health concern with a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes for both...     

A case-control study of maternal recreational physical activity and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus

Despite the maternal and infant morbidity associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), few modifiable risk factors have been identified. We explored the relation between recreational physical activity performed during the year before and during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy and the risk of GDM. 155 GDM cases and 386 normotensive, non-diabetic pregnant controls provided information about the type, intensity, frequency, and duration of physical activity performed during these time periods. Women who participated in any recreational physical activity during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, as compared with inactive women, experienced a 48% reduction in risk of GDM (odds ratio [OR] = 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.33-0.80). The number of hours spent performing recreational activities and the energy expended were related to a decrease in GDM risk. No clear patterns related to distance walked and pace of walking emerged. Daily stair climbing, when compared with no stair climbing, was associated with a 49-78% reduction in GDM risk (P for trend <0.011). Recreational physical activity performed during the year before the index pregnancy was also associated with statistically significant reductions in GDM risk, but women who engaged in physical activity during both time periods experienced the greatest reduction in risk (OR = 0.40; 95% CI 0.23-0.68). These data suggest that recreational physical activity performed before and/or during pregnancy is associated with a reduced risk of GDM.     

Occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus, maternal and fetal outcomes beyond the 28th week of gestation in women at high risk of gestational diabetes. A prospective study

AIM: Among the numerous guidelines defining the diagnostic strategy of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), none of them suggest a follow-up in women with risk factors beyond the 28th week of gestation (WG). The primary objective of this study was to assess the incidence of GDM beyond 28 WG in a group of women at high risk. The secondary objectives were to evaluate maternal and fetal outcomes in early and late GDM (between 24-28 WG, and beyond 28 WG), as well as to compare them to a normal glucose tolerance (NGT) group. METHODS: A prospective study conducted in 191 consecutive women. Between 24-28 WG, the diagnosis of GDM was performed in a two-step approach (50 then 75 g). Beyond the 28 WG, the diagnosis of GDM was based on self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG). All women were educated about an individualized diabetic diet and to perform SMBG daily glucose profiles. RESULTS: Seventy-two percent of the women at risk had developed GDM. Among these, 54% had developed early GDM, between 24-28 WG, and 18% had developed late GDM, beyond the 28th WG. Gestational age of late GDM was estimated 30 WG. In late GDM, onset of diabetes seems to be predicted by an increase in capillary glucose value determined at 22:00 hours, but this needs to be confirmed. Women who develop GDM2 have a significantly higher rate of macrosomia and more important pre-pregnancy overweight, underlining this impact in the occurrence of macrosomia. Finally maternal outcomes were not different in the 3 groups with intensive intervention.     

A systematic review of metabolite profiling in gestational diabetes mellitus

Aims/hypothesis

Gestational diabetes mellitus is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes during, as well as subsequent to, pregnancy, including increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Because of the importance of early risk stratification in preventing these complications, improved first-trimester biomarker determination for diagnosing gestational diabetes would enhance our ability to optimise both maternal and fetal health. Metabolomic profiling, the systematic study of small molecule products of biochemical pathways, has shown promise in the identification of key metabolites associated with the pathogenesis of several metabolic diseases, including gestational diabetes. This article provides a systematic review of the current state of research on biomarkers and gestational diabetes and discusses the clinical relevance of metabolomics in the prediction, diagnosis and management of gestational diabetes.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE (PubMed) up to the end of February 2014 using the key term combinations of ‘metabolomics,’ ‘metabonomics,’ ‘nuclear magnetic spectroscopy,’ ‘mass spectrometry,’ ‘metabolic profiling’ and ‘amino acid profile’ combined (AND) with ‘gestational diabetes’. Additional articles were identified through searching the reference lists from included studies. Quality assessment of included articles was conducted through the use of QUADOMICS.

Results

This systematic review included 17 articles. The biomarkers most consistently associated with gestational diabetes were asymmetric dimethylarginine and NEFAs. After QUADOMICS analysis, 13 of the 17 included studies were classified as ‘high quality’.

Conclusions/interpretation

Existing metabolomic studies of gestational diabetes present inconsistent findings regarding metabolite profile characteristics. Further studies are needed in larger, more racially/ethnically diverse populations.     

Increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A population-based cohort study,systematic review and meta-analysis

AimsNon-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is one of the leading causes of liver transplantation in the West. This study seeks to examine whether women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at increased risk of developing NAFLD compared to women without GDM.MethodsWe conducted a population-based retrospective matched-controlled cohort study utilising The Health Improvement Network (THIN), a large primary care database representative of the United Kingdom population, between 01/01/1990 to 31/05/2016 followed by systematic review of available literature. The study population included 9640 women with GDM and 31,296 controls without GDM, matched for age, body mass index (BMI) and time of pregnancy. All study participants were free from NAFLD diagnosis at study entry. Patients with GDM and patients developing NAFLD were identified by clinical codes.ResultsThe median (range) follow-up duration was similar in women with and without GDM (2.95 (1.21–6.01) vs 2.85 (1.14–5.75) years respectively). Unadjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) for NAFLD development in women with vs without GDM was 3.28 (95% CI 2.14–5.02), which remained significant after adjustment for wide range of potential confounders (IRR 2.70; 95% CI 1.744–4.19). The risk of NAFLD in GDM remained high (IRR 2.46: 95% CI 1.51–4.00) despite women being censored after they developed type 2 diabetes. The meta-analysis of 3 studies (including the current study) showed increased NAFLD risk in women with vs without GDM (OR 2.60; 95% CI 1.90–3.57, I₂ = 0%). As our study is based on routine clinical diagnosis of NAFLD, this study could potentially have underestimated the risk of NAFLD development.ConclusionsWomen with GDM are at increased risk of developing NAFLD in their later life compared to women without GDM regardless of the development of type 2 diabetes. Clinicians should have a low threshold to investigate women with history of GDM for the presence of NAFLD. Further studies to identify screening strategies are needed.     

Effects of different dietary patterns during pregnancy on birth outcomes and glucose parameters in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PurposeDietary interventions are the cornerstone of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary patterns during pregnancy on birth outcomes and glucose parameters in women with GDM.MethodsPubMed, Embase, and The CoChrane Library were searched from the time of database creation to November 30, 2021, along with manual searches. Data analyses were performed using Stata 15.4 software.ResultsFrom 2461 studies, 27 RCTs involving 1923 women were eligible. The pooled results showed that dietary pattern interventions during pregnancy reduced birth weight (WMD: −0.14 kg; 95% CI: −0.24, −0.00), hemoglobin A_1 C (HbA_1 C) (WMD: −0.19, 95% CI: −0.34, −0.05), and macrosomia incidence (RR 0.65 [95% CI 0.48, 0.88]). Low glycemic index (GI) diet reduced macrosomia incidence (RR 0.31 [95% CI 0.11, 0.93]) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels (WMD: −0.10 mmol/L; 95% CI: −0.14, −0.05); a low carbohydrate (CHO) diet reduced large for gestational age (LGA) incidence (RR 0.33 [95% CI 0.13, 0.82]) and HbA_1 C (WMD: −0.32; 95% CI: −0.51, −0.14); dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet reduced birth weight (WMD:−0.59 kg; 95% CI: −0.64, −0.55), insulin use (RR 0.31 [95% CI 0.18, 0.56), macrosomia incidence (RR 0.12 [95% CI 0.03, 0.50]), and cesarean sections incidence (RR 0.57 [95% CI 0.40, 0.82]).ConclusionDietary patterns during pregnancy can improve certain birth outcomes and glycemic parameters. Due to limitations in the quality and number of included studies, the above findings still need to be validated by further randomized controlled trials with high quality and large samples.