Maternal Intake of Fried Foods and Risk of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Purpose

We examined the relationship of maternal periconceptional (i.e., before conception and early pregnancy) intake of fried foods with GDM risk.

Methods

In a prospective birth cohort in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington State, USA, we assessed maternal periconceptional fried food intake using a food frequency questionnaire among 3,414 participants. We used multivariable generalized linear regression models to derive estimates of relative risks (RRs) (and 95% confidence intervals, 95% CI) of GDM in relation to the intake of different types of fried foods (i.e., fried fish, fried chicken, fried potatoes, chips and doughnuts).

Results

A total of 169 GDM incident cases were identified in this cohort (4.96%). Compared with no fried fish intake, fried fish intake >1 servings/month was associated with 68% higher GDM risk [adjusted RR and 95% CI; 1.68 (1.16, 2.45); P _trend=0.019]. After adjusting for confounders, the RRs (95% CI) of GDM relative to fried chicken intake were 1.0, 1.44 (0.98, 2.09) and 1.81 (1.22, 2.70) for none, ≤1 and >1 servings/month intake of fried chicken, respectively (P _trend=0.002). Dietary intake of fried potatoes, snack chips or doughnuts was not significantly associated with higher GDM risk. Limitations of our study include the lack of information about frying methods and the intake of fried foods at home and away from home.

Conclusions

Regular intake of fried fish and fried chicken are associated with elevated GDM risk.