Eating a healthy “anti-inflammatory” diet in early pregnancy decreases the risk of gestational diabetes in high risk women, suggests a new study published in the European Journal of Nutrition.

The study was conducted at the University of Turku and Turku University Hospital in Finland and included 351 overweight or obese (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2) pregnant women (less than 18 weeks of gestation) participating in the mother–infant dietary intervention trial. Food diaries and diet quality questionnaires were used to assess their dietary intake and the daily number of meals. The dietary inflammatory index (DII®) and energy-adjusted DII (E-DII™) scores were calculated to evaluate the inflammatory nature of the diet.

Eating a proinflammatory diet, as indicated by higher E-DII score, increased the risk of developing gestational diabetes by 27% (adjusted OR 1.27). But eating a “healthier dietary pattern” comprising of fruits, vegetables, rye bread, berries etc. was associated with reduced risk of GDM (adjusted OR 0.27).

Women who developed GDM reported higher intake of total fats, especially saturated fats and trans fats and lower fiber intake compared to women who did not develop GDM. Eating frequency or overnight fasting time had no association with GDM.

Low-grade inflammation has been implicated in the development of GDM by way of insulin resistance. Obesity is a proinflammatory state and therefore predisposes overweight and obese pregnant women to GDM. Diet has also been recognised as a significant factor in the inflammatory process. Saturated fats are known to enhance inflammation in the body.

This study examined the impact of diet in early pregnancy on the risk of developing GDM in high-risk women. A high inflammatory diet was associated with greater risk of GDM. This study demonstrates the importance of eating a healthy diet, particularly during pregnancy and reducing intake of saturated fats.

Reference

1. Pajunen L, et al. A healthy dietary pattern with a low inflammatory potential reduces the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus. Eur J Nutr. 2021 Nov 30. doi: 10.1007/s00394-021-02749-z.