Mid-pregnancy consumption of fruit, vegetable and fruit juice and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: A correlation study.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the potential association between mid-pregnancy consumption of fruit, vegetable and fruit juice and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND

METHODS

An observational study with 2987 pregnant women was conducted in China from June 2013 to June 2014. Fruit, vegetable and fruit juice consumption during weeks 13-28 of pregnancy was assessed by using 24 h dietary recall method and food frequency questionnaire. Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess the association between fruit, vegetable and fruit juice consumption (in quartiles) and GDM risks, and One-Way ANOVA was used to compare the incidences of GDM at various levels of fruit, vegetable and fruit juice consumption, adjusted for gestational age, family history of diabetes, physical activity, fiber and meat intake.

RESULTS

Among all the 2987 pregnant women, 405 (13.6%) were diagnosed as GDM for the first time. There was no association between total fruit and vegetable consumption and GDM. Quantity of grape, melon, potatoes and fruit juice consumption were positively associated with the incidence of GDM. In contrast, quantity of apple, orange and vegetables other than potatoes were negatively associated with the incidence of GDM.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that appropriate quantity of fruit and vegetable intakes throughout pregnancy may have a beneficial effect on preventing the development of GDM, whereas excess consumption of fruits, potatoes and fruit juices is associated with an increased risk of GDM.