Dietary intakes of women with gestational diabetes mellitus and pregnancy outcomes: a prospective observational study

Background: Nutritient intake of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is important to ensure satisfactory birth outcomes. The aim of this study is to explore the dietary profiles of patients with GDM, compare the results with the Chinese dietary guidelines or Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) from China and investigate the relationship between maternal dietary intake and pregnancy outcomes. Methods A total of 221 patients with GDM in the second trimester were included in the cohort. Dietary intake data were collected using a 24-hour recall method for 3 consecutive days. Pregnancy outcomes of these participants were followed up. Univariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the associations between dietary intake variables or general characteristics variables and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Results Participants with adverse pregnancy outcomes showed lower percentage of dietary energy intake from carbohydrate, iodine and Vitamin D and higher percentage of dietary energy intake from fat compared to participants without adverse pregnancy outcomes. The gestational weight gain and family history of diabetes were associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Exercise, the percentage of dietary energy intake from carbohydrate, the intake of iodine and Vitamin D were associated with a decreased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Conclusion The daily diet of pregnant women with GDM in China did not meet the dietary guidelines or DRIs. The low dietary carbohydrate ratio and intake of Vitamin D and iodine, family history of diabetes, lack of exercise, and high gestational weight gain were associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with GDM.