Alterations of fatty acid profiles in gestational diabetes and influence of the diet

•Higher saturated fatty acids (FA) and lower polyunsaturated FA levels in blood are characteristics of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).•FA profile may be modified by an appropriate diet to prevent GDM and its complications.•Studies support the recommendation that women at risk of GDM should increase docosahexaenoic acid intake.•Little is known on the associations between FA profiles and GDM early in pregnancy; therefore, there is a need for more studies.