(P10-032-24) Adhering to a Plant-Forward Diet During Pregnancy Reduces Gestational Diabetes Risk – A Meta-Analysis

Objectives: Gestational diabetes (GDM) affects 2 – 10% of all pregnancies in the United States and can significantly increase the risk of developing co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes. To date, the most common clinical recommendation for GDM prevention and treatment is through medical nutrition therapy. However, existing research has limited consensus on what dietary patterns are the most effective in mitigating GDM risk. This meta-analysis aims to determine whether plant-forward diets during pregnancy can decrease the risk of developing GDM.

Methods: This meta-analysis was performed from a subset of papers included in a previous systematic (PROSEPERO, CRD42022306915). Relevant articles in the systematic review were identified on June 16, 2021, and updated on June 22, 2023, using PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Plus with Full Text (EBSCOhost), and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Observational studies that reported associations of plant-forward diets with GDM by odds or risk ratio, detailed sample size information, and plant-forward dietary exposures during pregnancy before GDM diagnosis were included in the meta-analysis. To determine the overall treatment effect across the studies, a random effects model was performed, and heterogeneity and variation across the studies were identified through I² and τ². All statistical analysis was conducted using R software. Risk of bias was determined using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies and the Quality Assessment Tool for Case-Control Studies.

Results: Of the119 articles included in the systematic review, 12 met the inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis (9 cohort, 2 case-control, 1 cross-sectional) with 17 different dietary exposures from 18,097 participants. Overall, high adherence to plant-forward dietary patterns, including the DASH, Mediterranean, prudent, and plant-based patterns significantly reduced GDM risk by 17% (OR= 0.83 [CI: 0.71; 0.97], p < 0.01). Additionally, most studies were rated "Good” (n=8) for potential bias.

Conclusions: Adherence to a plant-forward diet during pregnancy may be effective in reducing GDM risk.

Funding Sources: University of Illinois (UIC) Bridge to Faculty, UIC/NIH BIRCWH, and Ford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowships.