Dietary Diversity and Low/Moderate Physical Activity Are Associated With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common complications of pregnancy. Women with GDM have an increased risk of adverse outcomes during pregnancy and delivery. Although diet and physical activity play a crucial role for pregnant women in the management of GDM, studies on dietary quality and physical activity in these individuals prior to diagnosis remain limited. Therefore, the purpose of our study is to evaluate the association between the women dietary diversity score (WDDS) and the level of physical activity assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) during pregnancy with the incidence of GDM. A total of 390 pregnant women were recruited, including 209 with GDM and 181 without GDM. Anthropometric and medical data were collected and WDDS was assessed using a 24-h recall method. Our results showed that high pre-pregnancy BMI, physical inactivity, a personal history of GDM, polycystic ovary syndrome and previous spontaneous abortion were positively associated with GDM. Additionally, our results showed that diets rich in total carbohydrate (excluding fibre), fat, starchy staples, dairy products or eggs as well as diets poor in legumes, nuts and seeds were positively associated with GDM. Interestingly, a significantly higher WDDS, a low IPAQ score and energy intake were positively associated with GDM. A more diversified diet and physical inactivity may be risk factors for GDM. These findings highlight the importance of women's dietary diversity and physical activity as potential modifiable factors for the prevention of GDM.