Does a MediDiet With Additional Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Pistachios Reduce the Incidence of Gestational Diabetes?

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) incidence in pregnant women following the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) with the addition of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and pistachios.

Methods: A total of 560 pregnant patients were enrolled in the present study. The MedDiet was introduced in both the interventional group (IG) and the control group. The women in the IG received 40 mL of EVOO every day along with 25 to 30 g of roasted pistachios. The incidence of GDM was recorded along with specific maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Results: The nutritional scores and MedDiet adherence screener scores were not statistically different between the groups at baseline, but the difference was statistically significant and higher in the IG at 24 to 28 weeks (P = .001) and at 36 to 38 weeks (P = .001). GDM was diagnosed in 51 (20.4%) women in the control group and 34 (13.6%) women in the IG. The MedDiet significantly reduced GDM incidence (P = .02) after adjusting for confounding factors.

Conclusion: The present study shows that dietary intervention in pregnant women, including a MedDiet and increased consumption of EVOO and pistachios, decreases the incidence of GDM.

Keywords: Mediterranean diet (MD); extra virgin olive oil (EVOO); gestational diabetes mellitus; pistachios; pregnancy.