Abstract

BACKGROUND It is suggested that combining healthy diet with physical activity during and before pregnancy have a significant effect on insulin sensitivity. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity and diet before and during pregnancy with the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). METHODS A case-control study was conducted on 173 women with GDM diagnosed during the pregnancy as the case group and 168 women with negative test for GDM as controls. Weight and height were measured and BMI was calculated. Dietary intake and physical activity data during pregnancy were collected using 24-hour food recall questionnaire and international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ). RESULTS Body mass index and the intake of refined sugars, fat dairy products, and fried foods were significantly higher and the intake of fruit and animal oil intake were significantly lower in the case group compared to the control group. However, there was not any significant association between the level of physical activity, vegetable intake, and total energy intake with the risk of GDM. CONCLUSIONS According to the results of this study, dietary intake before and during the pregnancy have a critical effect on the risk of GDM. Appropriate dietary planning for pregnant women can reduce the risk of GDM.