(P15-020-20) Associations of Plant-Based Foods and Diets with Gestational Diabetes: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies and Clinical Trials

Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common health complications during pregnancy. Medical nutrition therapy is the mainstay of treatment for GDM, however, there is no current consensus on the optimal dietary approaches for prevention and management of hyperglycemia during pregnancy. Our objective is to assess the relationship of plant-based diets, foods, and dietary supplements with GDM and maternal glycemic biomarkers in observational and clinical studies.

Methods: A systematic review was performed using PubMed to identify original articles from 1999-2019 following the PRISMA checklist statement. Articles were excluded if they were review articles, conference abstracts, not in English or did not meet the pre-defined PICOS (Population, Intervention/exposure, Comparison, Outcome, Study design) criteria. Articles were screened for relevance, extracted and summarized, and assessed for risk of bias and quality.

Results: A total of 431 articles were screened, 33 observational studies (prospective cohort: n=26, case-control: n=3, cross-sectional: n=4) involving 147,576 women and 11 randomized clinical trials involving 3,940 women were included. Among the observational studies, Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), fiber, and vegetable rich diets were associated with a significant decrease in GDM risk. Among the clinical trials, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, MedDiet, soy, phytosterol spread, evening primrose, chili powder and a traditional Chinese herb, Artemisia scoparia Waldst. & Kit. (Asteraceae) (n=1) exhibited improved maternal hyperglycemia, insulin resistance or sensitivity, and hypoadiponectinemia.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that plant-based diets may be effective in preventing and managing hyperglycemia during pregnancy. Particularly, adherence to a MedDiet may improve maternal glycemic biomarker and decrease risk of GDM. 

Funding Sources: UNLV Faculty research start up award.