Animal Fat, Cholesterol Is Linked To Higher Risk Of Gestational Diabetes In Expectant Mothers

A U.S. study has found that women who reduce the number of calories consumed from animal fat and cholesterol before pregnancy can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, a condition potentially harmful to both expectant mothers and infants. The study also found that the increased risk of gestational diabetes was independent of other dietary and non-dietary risk factors. For example, women who exercised but ate larger amounts of animal fat and cholesterol did not reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. Diets high in total fat or other kinds of fats -- but not in animal fat or cholesterol -- did not increase the risk, the study found.