Pre-pregnancy body mass index, weight gain and energy intake in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus

Background Studies have shown that maternal obesity is associated with increased risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). When compared to normal weight women, the chance of developing the disease steadily increases in those who are overweight, obese and severely obese. Excessive gestational weight gain is also associated with risk of GDM. Moreover, dietary factors, before and during pregnancy, have been linked to increased risk for GDM. Nutritional intervention is important for the control of GDM, as it provides benefits to mother and fetal health. However, the literature remains inconclusive on the role of dietary factors in the development of this disease.