Prediabetes, diabetes, and folate status among United States women of reproductive age: NHANES 2011–March 2020

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2026 Open access

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Authors: Krista S. Crider, Olufunmilola Adisa, Christine M Pfeiffer, Arick Wang, Ying Zhou, Lorraine F. Yeung, Kai M. Bullard, Yan Ping Qi, Charles E. Rose, Zia Fazili, J. Cassie Williams
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2026.101193
Cited by: 3
References: 63

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Pregestational diabetes increases the risk of adverse outcomes including congenital malformations, stillbirth, developmental disabilities, and maternal morbidity. Periconceptional glycemic control and folic acid (FA) supplementation are 2 of the most effective birth defects prevention strategies. OBJECTIVES: The objectives are to describe the proportion of and risk factors for diabetes and prediabetes and assess the association of folate status and diabetes among a nationally representative sample of nonpregnant women of reproductive age (WRA). METHODS: WRA (12‒49 y) from the NHANES 2011‒March 2020 (n = 3731) were included. Diabetes status was defined by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥6.5%, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥126 mg/dL, or self-report. Prediabetes was defined as HbA1c ≥5.7

Fields of Study & Subjects

Gestational Diabetes Research and Management Diabetes Cardiovascular Risks and Lipoproteins Ovarian function and disorders

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
123
Issue
3
Pages
101193–101193
Publication date
10 January 2026
Language
EN