Mediterranean diet reduces gestational diabetes risk by 40% in Hispanic women
Key Takeaway:
Mediterranean diet may reduce gestational diabetes risk by 40% in Hispanic women.
Study at a Glance
What was studied
A trial of 600 Hispanic pregnant women testing Mediterranean diet for gestational diabetes prevention
Study Type
Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
duration
Medium-Term (3–12 mo)
Intervention
Mediterranean diet
Outcomes
Gestational diabetes mellitus incidence
Funding
Non-Industry Sponsored
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Main Effects
Gestational diabetes → ↓ (strong reduction)
Blood sugar control → ↓ (moderate improvement)
Pregnancy complications → ↓ (moderate reduction)
Evidence Summary
| Intervention | Outcome | Measured Change | Study Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
 Mediterranean diet (Diet and Nutrition) |  Gestational diabetes mellitus incidence (Clinical Outcomes) | Decrease | Strong |
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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
Journal Reference
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
Connected Evidence
Discover how this study fits into the broader diabetes evidence landscape.
This study contributes to evidence on Mediterranean Diets and Diabetes Incidence and Prevention.
Related evidence relationships
Explore in Evidence ArchiveThis study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention–outcome relationships.
Included in these evidence collections
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
Diabetes Incidence and Prevention Evidence Hub
All studies measuring Diabetes Incidence and Prevention
Measures Diabetes Incidence and Prevention as a key outcome.
Mediterranean Diets Evidence Hub
All studies on Mediterranean Diets
Contributes to Mediterranean Diets evidence base.
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All studies on Mediterranean diet and Gestational diabetes mellitus incidence
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All studies measuring Gestational diabetes mellitus incidence
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