Low-Carbohydrate Diet And Maternal Glucose Metabolism In Chinese Pregnant Women

Few studies have suggested that long-term adherence to low-carbohydrate diets (LCD) may affect maternal glucose metabolism in Western countries. We aimed to investigate the association between LCD during pregnancy and glucose metabolism in a Chinese population. A total of 1018 women in mid-pregnancy were recruited in 2017-2018. Participants underwent a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Daily dietary intakes over the past month were accessed using a validated FFQ. The overall, animal and vegetable LCD scores which represent adherence to different low-carbohydrate dietary patterns were calculated. Mixed linear regression and generalised linear mixed regression were conducted to evaluate the associations between LCD scores and maternal glucose metabolism. Of the 1018 subjects, 194 (19 center dot 1 %) were diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The overall LCD score (beta: 0 center dot 024, se 0 center dot 008, P (FDR) = 0 center dot 02) and animal LCD score (beta: 0 center dot 023, se 0 center dot 008, P (FDR) = 0 center dot 02) were positively associated with OGTT 1-h glucose. No significant associations were found between the three different LCD scores with fasting plasma glucose, OGTT 2-h glucose, or insulin resistance, respectively. Compared with the lowest quartile, the crude OR of GDM for the highest quartile were 1 center dot 84 (95 % CI 1 center dot 14, 2 center dot 95) for overall LCD score (P (for trend) = 0 center dot 02) and 1 center dot 56 (95 % CI 1 center dot 00, 2 center dot 45) for animal LCD score (P (for trend) = 0 center dot 02). However, these associations became non-significant after adjustment for covariates. In conclusion, a low-carbohydrate dietary pattern with high animal protein and fat is associated with higher postprandial 1-h glucose levels in Chinese pregnant women.