A comparison of diet and exercise during pregnancy in women with and without type 1 diabetes followed in the Environmental Determinants of Islet Autoimmunity (ENDIA) study

Objective To compare diet and physical activity during pregnancy in women with and without type 1 diabetes and assess against national dietary guidelines. Research Design and Methods Diet and physical activity were measured prospectively in 1124 pregnancies using validated questionnaires. Results Diets exceeded recommended intake for fat, saturated fat, discretionary foods, sodium, vitamin C, calcium and zinc and were below recommendations for carbohydrate, fruit, dairy, vegetables, grain foods, and lean meats and alternatives. Differences in dietary intake between women with and without type 1 diabetes were modest. Total, moderate and vigorous physical activity decreased in the third trimester. Women with type 1 diabetes performed less vigorous intensity activity than women without type 1 diabetes. Conclusions Most pregnant women with and without type 1 diabetes did not meet dietary guidelines. Physical activity patterns were also mostly similar in women with and without type 1 diabetes.