A pilot study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science has revealed a prevalence of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) among pregnant women in Malawi.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy when the body cannot effectively use insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels and bearing children with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
The study is titled “Gestational Diabetes and Changes in Dietary Quality and Food Group Consumption Before and During Pregnancy: a pilot cross-sectional study in Malawian women attending antenatal clinics”.
Local dietitians like Dr. Getrude Mphwanthe alongside Lustia Mndoliro, Felistace Mtande, Jonathan Misolo, and Triza Columbus conducted the study between February and May 2023.
Dr. Mphwanthe emphasised the importance of routine screening and nutrition counseling during antenatal visits.
The research assessed 508 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Lilongwe, revealing that 22.7% were diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
According to the findings, dietary quality significantly declined during pregnancy, with many women consuming fewer nutritious foods while intake of unhealthy, energy-dense foods increased.
The researchers warn that these dietary changes may contribute to the high rates of GDM observed in the study.
By Alufisha Fischer
