Diet and Gestational Diabetes

A diet filled with potatoes may increase woman’s risk of gestational diabetes

Here’s some interesting news for women planning on becoming moms: A new study finds eating potatoes before pregnancy may increase the risk of gestational diabetes.

Researchers tracked more than 15,000 women who got pregnant between 1991 and 2001.
Participants had no history of gestational diabetes or chronic disease beforehand. They were asked to fill out dietary surveys at the start and then every few years. One of the questions involved how often, on average, they had eaten baked, boiled, mashed or French fried potatoes during the past year.

Higher total potato consumption was significantly associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes, even after accounting for other risk factors like age, family history, overall diet and physical activity. The authors point out that potatoes have a high glycemic index compared to other vegetables and can trigger a sharp rise in blood sugar levels.

They suggest substituting potatoes with other vegetables, legumes or whole grain foods to try to lower the risk.