The association between Lifelines Diet Score and GDM: a case-control study.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Nutritional Science
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a prevalent pregnancy complication with serious health implications for mother and child.
• Dietary factors are implicated in GDM development, but the role of overall dietary quality indices like the Lifelines Diet Score (LLDS) is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between adherence to the Lifelines Diet Score (LLDS) and the likelihood of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 150 GDM cases and 150 matched controls was conducted.
• The Lifelines Diet Score (LLDS) was calculated using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire to assess dietary intake.
• Multivariable logistic regression was employed to analyze the relationship between LLDS and GDM odds.

Main Results:

• Higher LLDS quartiles correlated with healthier dietary patterns, including increased intake of fruits, vegetables, and legumes, and decreased intake of red/processed meats and sugar-sweetened beverages.
• Participants in the highest LLDS quartile exhibited significantly lower odds of GDM compared to those in the lowest quartile (adjusted OR: 0.23; P-trend < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Greater adherence to the LLDS is associated with reduced odds of gestational diabetes mellitus.
• These findings underscore the potential importance of overall dietary quality in maternal metabolic health during pregnancy.
• Further research, including prospective and intervention studies, is needed to confirm these associations and understand the mechanisms involved.