The type and frequency of consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods may play a role in the clinical expression of insulin resistance during pregnancy
RIS ID
8106
Abstract
Objectives: To assess differences in patterns of carbohydrate consumption between women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and a group of glucose tolerant pregnant women. Design: A cross-sectional survey of the usual dietary intakes of a sample of women with GDM, newly diagnosed and taken at the first clinic visit, and a sample of women without GDM, matched for age and prepregnancy weight, at the beginning of the third trimester of pregnancy. Subjects: 16 women newly diagnosed with GDM and 24 healthy pregnant women. Subjects with a diagnosis of GDM in a previous pregnancy and other risk factors for GDM were not excluded. Setting: The Illawarra area health service, Diabetes service and prenatal clinic at the Wollongong hospital. Main outcome measures: Reported patterns of carbohydrate consumption in terms of total intakes, amounts of carbohydrate-rich food groups and foods grouped according to glycaemic index (GI) values. These were expressed as energy (kJ) or amount of carbohydrate (g), and frequency of consumption. An average diet GI score was calculated. Statistical analyses: Differences in dietary intake variables between groups were assessed using independent two tailed t-tests. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups for total intakes of carbohydrate in kJ or g. Women with GDM, however, reported significantly less carbohydrate (g) from pasta, fruit juice and milk products (P < 0.05) and from foods with low GI values (P < 0.05). The GDM group reported less frequent intakes of foods with higher GI values (P < 0.05). The average diet GI was significantly higher for the GDM group when adjusted for total energy intake (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This small qualitative study of the food habits of free-living pregnant women assessed patterns of carbohydrate consumption not readily identifiable using a nutrient approach. Compared to glucose tolerant pregnant controls, women with GDM reported lower intakes of carbohydrate-rich foods with low GI values and a reduced frequency of consumption of foods with higher GI values. These 'non-beneficial' patterns of intake likely impact on blood glucose control and have implications for the dietary management of this group. (Nutr Diet 2002;59:135-143)
Publication Details
Gillen, L. J., Tapsell, L. C., Martin, G., Daniells, S., Knights, S. & Moses, R. G. (2002). The type and frequency of consumption of carbohydrate-rich foods may play a role in the clinical expression of insulin resistance during pregnancy. Nutrition & Dietetics, 59 (2), 135-143.