Gestational diabetes status and dietary intake modify maternal and cord blood allostatic load markers

Abstract

IntroductionAllostatic load (AL) defines cardiometabolic, inflammatory, and neuroendocrine changes in the body in response to internal and external stressors. It is largely unknown whether gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) alters maternal and fetal AL, which in turn affects GDM outcomes. Whether dietary intakes and quality can modify AL and thus influence GDM progression is also unknown.Research design and methodsIn this study, we recruited 35 GDM and 30 non-GDM women in gestational week 25–33. Fasting blood samples were collected at enrollment, and cord venous blood samples were collected at delivery for the measurement of a series of AL biomarkers to calculate the composite AL index. Three-day dietary recalls were conducted at enrollment.ResultsResults suggest that GDM women had 60% higher composite AL index scores (p value=0.01). Maternal AL index was associated with shorter duration of gestation (β=−0.33, p value=0.047) and higher fetal AL index (β=0.47, p value=0.006) after adjusting for GDM status. Dietary intake of monounsaturated fatty acids was negatively associated with maternal AL index (β=−0.20, p value=0.006). GDM women had lower total caloric intake and dietary glycemic load, yet their linolenic acid, vitamin C and E intakes were also decreased (all p value<0.05). These dietary differences were not related to birth outcomes measured.ConclusionsIn this study, GDM status and dietary intakes modify AL in this population. AL may serve as an indicator of GDM control. Future research on dietary interventions that can improve maternal AL markers during GDM is warranted.

A comprehensive meta-analysis on the association between vitamin C intake and gestational diabetes mellitus: Insights and novel perspectives

“…Ultimately, 15 articles were included. [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27] The literature screening process and the results are shown in Figure 1.…”

Associations of maternal glucose markers in pregnancy with cord blood glucocorticoids and child hair cortisol levels

“…Our null findings are in line with some prior reports. 25,27,28,30 For example, a prior study including 54 mother-child pairs 31 found that maternal fasting glucose levels were not associated with child salivary cortisol reactivity in response to the Marshmallow Test, which is a test of delayed satisfaction that may be used to induce mild stress in young children. Our results are also consistent with a prior study of adverse maternal metabolic conditions which found that GDM was not associated with cord blood cortisol levels.…”

“…24 However, few human studies have assessed offspring cortisol levels in the context of exposure to GDM or maternal hyperglycemia. [25][26][27][28][29][30][31] Furthermore, results of prior studies have been conflicting and have primarily been conducted in small cohorts. [25][26][27][28][29][30][31] Additionally, some of them have not accounted for potential confounding, such as maternal body mass index (BMI) and socioeconomic status.…”

“…[25][26][27][28][29][30][31] Furthermore, results of prior studies have been conflicting and have primarily been conducted in small cohorts. [25][26][27][28][29][30][31] Additionally, some of them have not accounted for potential confounding, such as maternal body mass index (BMI) and socioeconomic status. [25][26][27][28]31 The aim of this study was to examine the associations of maternal glucose markers in pregnancy with offspring cord blood glucocorticoids at birth and hair cortisol levels in mid-childhood and early adolescence using data from two longitudinal pre-birth cohorts.…”

“…[25][26][27][28][29][30][31] Additionally, some of them have not accounted for potential confounding, such as maternal body mass index (BMI) and socioeconomic status. [25][26][27][28]31 The aim of this study was to examine the associations of maternal glucose markers in pregnancy with offspring cord blood glucocorticoids at birth and hair cortisol levels in mid-childhood and early adolescence using data from two longitudinal pre-birth cohorts. We hypothesized that high levels of maternal glycemia in pregnancy would be associated with higher levels of cord blood glucocorticoids and offspring hair cortisol levels.…”