Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Diet plays an important role in glycemic control in diabetic pregnant women.

Study objectives: To determine the major dietary errors in pregnant women with diabetes.

Patients and methods: A descriptive retrospective study including 60 patients with diabetic pregnancy hospitalized in Endocrinology and Diabetology service between January to December 2016. Data collection was done from medical records.The statistical analysis was done by SPSS. The parameters were studied: age, body mass index (BMI), gestational age, diabetes type, treatment adopted and the degree of glycemic control, pre-conceptional HbA1c, dietary survey: total level of carbohydrates, distribution according to meals, consumption of fast sugars, simple sugars, vegetables, fruit, meat, fish or egg and dairy products a day.

Results: The study included 60 patients with an average age of 30.4 years. Mean gestational age was 22 weeks of gestation, 26.7% had gestational diabetes and 73.3% pre-gestational diabetes. Correct BMI was found in 21.7%patients, overweight at 33.3% and obesity at 45%. 13.3% of patients were on diet and lifestyle rules and 87.7% were on insulin. Glycemic control was achieved in 42.6% of patients. Total carbohydrate intake was excessive (>220 g/day) in 41.7%, while it was insufficient (<180 g/day) in 16.7%. For meal distribution, 53.4% had an excessive intake at breakfast, 56.7% had an inadequate intake of dinner and 51.7% had adequate intake at lunch. Regarding Snacks, 6.7% of patients observed the 3 snacks and 18.3% took bedtime snack. In qualitative terms, major source of carbohydrates came from starchy foods. Furthermore, 28.3% of patients consumed simple sugars with a high glycemic index. Glycemic control was significantly related to the overall carbohydrate intake (P<0.05).

Discussion: Carbohydrate intake recommended for pregnant women with diabetes is between 180–220 g/day divided into 3 meals and 3 snacks. Our study highlights the different dietary errors either in terms of quantity of carbohydrates or their distribution during the day.