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Pregnancy and Birth to 24 Months Systematic Review

Systematic Review Question

What is the relationship between dietary patterns before and during pregnancy and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus?

Conclusion Statement

Limited but consistent evidence suggests that certain dietary patterns before pregnancy are associated with a reduced risk of gestational diabetes mellitus. These protective dietary patterns are:

  • higher in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and fish, and 
  • lower in red and processed meats. 

Most of the research was conducted in healthy, Caucasian women with access to health care.

Grade: Limited

Evidence is insufficient to estimate the association between dietary patterns during pregnancy and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus. 

Grade: Limited