[Gestational diabetes mellitus and the lifestyle and dietary structure of pregnant women: a case-control study].

OBJECTIVE To explore the life style and diet of pregnant women related to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in order to provide scientific evidences for the prevention of GDM. METHOD A total of 450 subjects were recruited in a 1:2 matched case-control study including 150 pregnant women diagnosed as GDM and 300 normal pregnant women. All subjects participated in a questionnaire survey on socio-demographic characteristics, pregnancy relevant status, dietary structure and lifestyle. Conditional logistic regression analysis and t-test were used for the evaluation of relevant factors. RESULT There was a statistic significance of the difference between the two groups on total calorie, carbohydrate, fat and protein intakes per day (P < or = 0.01). Twenty-three factors based on univariate analysis were associated with the occurrence of GDM. Seven factors were entered into the last logistic multivariate regression model. High blood pressure (OR = 28.50), adverse pregnant history (OR = 3.10), obesity before pregnancy (OR = 2.80), too much consumption of fruits (OR = 2.40), family history of DM (OR = 1.86) and favorite of sweets (OR = 1.68) were risk factors for GDM, while the consumption of more white meat was a protective factor (OR = 0.62). CONCLUSION The occurrence of GDM was influenced by some adverse lifestyles, unreasonable dietary structure and other factors, such as hypertension, over weight before gestation and family history of DM. Measures should be taken to avoid and eliminate these risk factors.