1. Introduction
obesity, GDM
GDM, BLOOD, GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS, OBESITY
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), defined as abnormal glucose tolerance that presents during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, is a growing issue in the United States and worldwide. If left untreated or poorly controlled, GDM can result in numerous consequences for both the mother and the fetus; thus, it is imperative that different avenues of management for GDM be explored. There is a paucity of studies that examine how lifestyle changes, including dietary and physical activity, affect management of GDM. We examined how counseling on lifestyle changes can affect cardiometabolic risks in women with GDM. We conducted a 12-week randomized controlled trial based on behavioral counseling in which women with GDM (N = 38) were randomized into either a nutrition education (control) (N = 18) group or nutrition intervention (N = 20) group. The nutrition education group were given dietary counseling regarding healthy dietary choices based on USDA guidelines, while the nutrition intervention group were instructed to consume a total of one cup of whole berries and one cup of leafy vegetables daily along with performing postprandial exercise (walking). Blood samples, anthropometric measures, and dietary and physical activity data, recorded in daily food and activity logs, were collected at baseline and at the end of the study and compared between the two groups. Dietary counseling on supplementation with whole berries and leafy vegetables resulted in increased fiber intake, increased antioxidant intake and total serum antioxidant capacity, improved random blood glucose, decreased serum IL-6, and improved HDL cholesterol versus the control group (all Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), characterized as abnormal glucose tolerance that first presents during pregnancy in the second or third trimester, is a growing problem in the United States, affecting up to 10% of pregnancies each year [The increased prevalence of GDM, along with the growing obesity epidemic in our country, which increases a pregnant woman’s risk of developing GDM, highlights the need for research towards mitigating the effects of GDM [Observational studies have been conducted, and they demonstrate a correlation between dietary modifications and decreased risk of developing GDM [There is also a paucity of studies reported that show a direct correlation between altered diet with increased physical activity and prognosis of GDM in already diagnosed women. Most studies, as discussed, are observational studies in which the outcome measured is risk of developing GDM. While prevention of GDM is important, it is imperative that further research be conducted to determine dietary alterations that can have a direct effect on glycemic control, and ultimately prognosis, of women with GDM. Thus, we conducted a RCT in which women with GDM were instructed to increase the consumption of berries and green leafy vegetables, as well as increase postprandial physical activity. We hypothesized that these lifestyle interventions will improve cardiometabolic profiles in these GDM patients.