Endocrine Abstracts

JOINT3832

Introduction: The pregnant woman with diabetes may face overeating and a reduction in physical activity, two factors responsible for glycemic imbalance. The objective of this study is to evaluate the eating behaviors and beliefs of pregnant women with diabetes in order to improve their management.

Materials and Methods: A prospective descriptive study conducted at the Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases department of Ibn Rochd University Hospital in Casablanca, involving patients followed for gestational diabetes who completed a questionnaire to assess their eating beliefs.

Results: We included 64 patients in our study, with an average age of 32.3 years, 47.1% had gestational diabetes and 52.9% had type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The average BMI before pregnancy was 29.8 kg/m². Regarding treatment, 74.3% of patients were on insulin and 25.7% followed hygiene-dietary rules. Glycemic control was perfect in 61.2% of patients. Regarding eating behavior, 72.4% of patients had an excessive intake of slow sugars, 62.8% had an excessive intake of fats, and 36.4% consumed rapid sugars, 70.8% ate at fixed times, while 20% skipped at least one meal. Regarding food beliefs, 68% of patients think they should eat less to be healthy, 30% think they can eat the foods they want, 45% think they must eat for two, and 34% think weight gain should not be limited. Regarding physical activity, 28.4% of patients practiced it, with 75.2% believing it helps control blood sugar levels, while 22% think it could harm their pregnancy.

Conclusion: Our study highlights the eating beliefs and behaviors of pregnant women with diabetes and emphasizes the need for better information and improved dietary education for these patients.