Nutritional status and dietary characteristics of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus at National hospital of Endocrinology in 2023

Objective: To describe the nutritional status and dietary characteristics of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus at the National Hospital of Endocrinology in 2023. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study combined with a retrospective review of 185 pregnant women was conducted from March to August 2023. Results: Women aged 30-34 years accounted for the highest proportion at 38.4%. Before pregnancy, the rates of overweight, obesity, and normal weight were 21.1%, 13%, and 61.6%, respectively. During pregnancy, the average weight gain was 0.55 ± 0.3 kg/week, with 53% of women gaining excess weight. The average total energy intake was 1427.2 ± 319 kcal/day, with an average Protein : Lipid : Glucid ratio of 21.2 : 27.5 : 51.2%. The average values for some nutrients were as follow: fiber 10.9 ± 5.3 g, calcium 722.2 ± 307.7 mg, iron 13.2 ± 7.8 mg, vitamin D 1.58 ± 2.05 µg, folate 296.71 ± 136.91 µg, vitamin C 149.64 ± 78.27 mg, vitamin B1 1.39 ± 0.45 mg. Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity before pregnancy among women with gestational diabetes mellitus was relatively high, and the rate of weight gain during pregnancy was not reasonable. In addition, the dietary intake was unbalanced and failed to meet recommended requirements.