Evaluation of nutritional habits of pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes

Aim: To evaluate nutritional habits of pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes (GD). Material and Method: The research is cross-sectional and descriptive. Between May-December 2021, 92 pregnant women were diagnosed with GD, out of 473 pregnant women who requested OGTT at 24-28th weeks of pregnancy in Nusaybin State Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics. The study was conducted with 56 pregnant women who applied to the Nutrition and Diet Polyclinic after being diagnosed with GDM and voluntarily participated in the study. A questionnaire including socio-demographic characteristics, nutritional habits and frequency of food consumption of pregnant women was filled by researcher in face-to-face interview. Data obtained in the study were evaluated with SPSS program. Chi-square and fisher exact tests were used in data analysis and significance value was accepted as p<0,05. Results: The mean BMI of pregnants before pregnancy was 27,67±4,82 kg/m², and during pregnancy was 30,17±4,91 kg/m². A statistically significant difference was found between changes in the consumption of chicken, legumes, sugar and sugary products in diet of pregnant women according to the BMI status at beginning of pregnancy (p<0,05). A statistically significant difference was found between consumption of milk dessert and history of GDM (p<0,05). According to one-day food consumption record of pregnant women, average carbohydrate intake was 197.0±71.7 g, fiber 21.6± g and protein 65.7±22.1 g. Conclusion: Reducing modifiable risk factors such as pre-pregnancy BMI poor eating habits and a nutrition plan that includes recommended amount of nutrients during pregnancy can make important contributions to prevention of GDM.