COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF DIETARY PATTERN AND NUTRIENT CONSUMPTION AMONG WOMEN WITH GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS (GDM) AND NON-GDM: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN RURAL TERTIARY CARE SETTING, VADODARA, GUJARAT

Understanding the dietary behaviours and nutrient intake of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) women is crucial for improving the maternal and foetal health outcomes particularly in rural regions. This study aimed to identify the potential differences that could contribute to reducing the incidence of GDM. Around 80 pregnant women (GDM and non GDM) aged 18 to 40 years were enrolled in 2nd trimester from tertiary care hospital using purposive sampling technique.A pre tested questionnaire was used to evaluate dietary intake pattern using 3 days 24-hour dietary recall and food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric indices were measured and body mass index was calculated. High prevalence of overweight and obese (47%) was found in GDM subjects. A significant negative association was found between intake of fruits and risk of GDM.The cravings for sweet foods including high calorie sweet dairy products were higher in GDM group (30%). A higher percentage of non-GDM women (34%) had a daily intake of pulses and dals compared to GDM women (8%).A positive corelation was found between BMI and fast-food intake in GDM group.GDM women showed higher saturated fat intake and lower protein intake.These findings may provide evidence for making dietary guidelines among pregnant women to prevent GDM.