Association of Sweet Drinks and Fast-Food Consumption with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Among Bangladeshi Women

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is a pandemic disease, with an estimated 425 million people suffering from various types by 2017. Bangladesh, one of the top ten countries with diabetes, faces significant social, demographic, and epidemiologic changes. Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a public health crisis, affecting 20.9 million live births and affecting 85.1% of cases. Bangladesh is working to improve maternal and child health care, but its GDM prevalence rate is about 10%. Methods: This six-month observational Case control study was conducted among the pregnant women of Dhaka; Bangladesh who were came for antenatal care in BSMMU and BIRDEM 2 hospitals. Women who were pregnant for more than 24th weeks were included as samples. A pre-tested, validated, semi-structured questionnaire was utilized to collect data from 242 patients. Results: Maternal age is a significant risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), with the likelihood extending with increasing maternal age. GDM is less common in lower age groups starting from 17 years and highest in the age group starting at 31 years and above. GDM rate is higher in women from higher income families and those with a history of GDM in previous pregnancy. Sleep time is also a significant cofactor, with women with GDM having less sleep than those without GDM. The habit of taking sweet drinks has a significant relationship with GDM, with 66.1% reporting carbonated beverages, 82.6% frequenting tea, and 28.1% having energy drinks. Dietary patterns, particularly fast foods, are also associated with increased risk of GDM. Conclusions: The study reveals age, sleep time, and dietary patterns significantly influence gestational diabetes mellitus risk. Consumption of sweet drinks, fast foods, and processed meats also contributes.