Work

Adherence to Dietary and Lifestyle Guidelines Among Women With a History of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and the Influence of a Student‐Led Dietetic Clinics

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Healthy diet and lifestyle habits may contribute to reducing this risk. This study aimed to describe dietary intake and lifestyle habits of women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus and determine the impact of nutrition and lifestyle counseling on dietary intake and lifestyle goals. This retrospective cohort study included 32 women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus 6 months postpartum who attended the student‐led nutrition clinic between 01 June 2021 and 31 August 2022. Dietary intake, lifestyle, and physical activity habits were extracted from student dietitians' notes. The mid‐p‐value McNemar's test was used to determine whether attendance at the student‐led dietetic clinic was associated with a change in the proportion of women meeting the guidelines. Fifteen percent (n = 5) of women did not meet any food group recommendations prior to any interventions. Most women (46.8%) engaged in less than the recommended level of physical activity and more than a quarter (28.1%) did not engage in any physical activity at their initial consultation. After attending at least one consultation, a greater proportion of women met recommendations for at least one food group (41.1% vs. 18.7%, p = 0.256) and a greater proportion of women met physical activity guidelines (60% vs. 25%, p = 0.125). In this cohort of postpartum women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus, adherence to the Ministry of Health Eating and Activity guidelines was poor. Positive changes towards adherence are possible after attendance at a student‐led nutrition and dietetic clinic.

Source: Food Science & Nutrition

DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.70076

Authors: Klaudia Illenberger, Julia Sekula, Robyn Lawrence

Institutions: University of Auckland, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Massey University

Language: English

Topic: Gestational Diabetes Research and Management

Subfield: Obstetrics and Gynecology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,630