Association of Dietary Pattern during Pregnancy and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Cohort Study in Northern China

ObjectiveTo examine the association of maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in northern China. MethodsThe dietary intakes of pregnant women were recorded twice by 24-hour dietary recalls for three days prior to having been diagnosed with GDM, at 5-15 and 24-28 gestational weeks, respectively. GDM was diagnosed, and serum glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) was measured at 24-28 weeks. Dietary patterns were assessed by factor analysis. The association of the dietary pattern with GDM and HbA1c was examined by multiple logistic models. ResultsOf 753 participants, 64 (8.5%) were diagnosed with GDM. Four dietary patterns were identified: Western pattern (dairy, baked/fried food and white meat), traditional pattern (light-colored vegetables, fine grain, red meat and tubers), mixed pattern (edible fungi, shrimp/shellfish and red meat) and prudent pattern (dark-colored vegetables and deep-sea fish). Compared with the prudent pattern, both the Western pattern and the traditional pattern were associated with an increased risk of GDM (a OR = 4.40, 95% CI : 1.58-12.22; a OR = 4.88, 95% CI : 1.79-13.32) and a high level of HbA1c (a OR = 12.37, 95% CI : 1.47-103.91; a OR = 26.23, 95% CI : 2.54-270.74). Compared to the lowest quartile (Q), Q3 of the Western pattern scores and Q3-Q4 of the traditional pattern scores were associated with a higher risk of GDM. ConclusionThe consumption of the Western pattern or the traditional pattern during pregnancy may increase the risk of GDM.