Mediterranean diet reduces gestational diabetes risk by 40% in Hispanic women
Last updated May 16, 2026
Key finding
Mediterranean diet may reduce gestational diabetes risk by 40% in Hispanic women.
This study tested whether a Mediterranean diet could prevent gestational diabetes in Hispanic pregnant women. Researchers enrolled 600 Hispanic women early in pregnancy. Some received Mediterranean diet guidance with free olive oil and pistachios. Others got standard dietary advice to limit fat intake. Women following the Mediterranean diet had much lower rates of gestational diabetes. Only 15% developed it, compared to 26% in the standard care group. They also had better blood sugar control and fewer pregnancy complications. The benefits were consistent and meaningful. The study shows this dietary approach works well for preventing gestational diabetes in Hispanic women.
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Study at a glance
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EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
Follow-up
Medium-Term (3–12 mo)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
What this paper says
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
Mediterranean diet may reduce gestational diabetes risk by 40% in Hispanic women.
Published in
Journal Reference
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Melero V, García de la Torre N, Assaf-Balut C, et al. Effect of a Mediterranean Diet-Based Nutritional Intervention on the Risk of Developing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Other Maternal-Fetal Adverse Events in Hispanic Women Residents in Spain. Nutrients. 2020;12(11):3505. doi:10.3390/nu12113505
Main Effects
Gestational diabetes → ↓ (strong reduction)
Blood sugar control → ↓ (moderate improvement)
Pregnancy complications → ↓ (moderate reduction)
Evidence Suggest
- A Mediterranean diet with olive oil and pistachios started early in pregnancy may reduce gestational diabetes risk by about 40% in Hispanic women
- Women following this diet had better blood sugar control and needed insulin less often if gestational diabetes developed
- The benefits were consistent in both research and real-world settings, though adherence was better when foods were provided free
Who this applies to
Pregnant Hispanic women, particularly those at higher risk for gestational diabetes
Keep in Mind
Participants knew which diet they were following, which could affect results
Between the Lines
- Participants were not blinded to their diet group
- Results apply specifically to Hispanic women in Spain
- Diet adherence was lower without free food provision
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