A new study of 144 pregnant women found that eating red meat was linked to higher risk of blood sugar problems during pregnancy, while eating eggs at night was linked to lower risk. Researchers tracked what and when women ate for up to 28 days, then looked at their blood sugar test results. The timing of when foods were eaten seemed to matter more than just the total amount of calories or nutrients consumed. This suggests that not just what you eat, but when you eat it, might affect your blood sugar during pregnancy.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether eating certain foods at specific times of day affects blood sugar problems during pregnancy
  • Who participated: 144 pregnant women who were less than 18 weeks pregnant when they joined the study
  • Key finding: Women who ate more red meat had nearly 4 times higher odds of blood sugar problems, while eating eggs at night was linked to slightly lower risk
  • What it means for you: If you’re pregnant, limiting red meat and considering when you eat certain foods might help with blood sugar control, but more research is needed to confirm these findings

The Research Details

Researchers followed 144 pregnant women from early pregnancy and had them take detailed photos and notes of everything they ate for up to 28 days. They created special scoring systems to measure when foods were eaten during morning and nighttime hours, rather than just looking at what was eaten. The researchers then looked at the women’s medical records to see who developed blood sugar problems during pregnancy.

Most nutrition research only looks at what people eat, not when they eat it. This study’s approach of tracking exact timing of food intake could reveal important patterns that previous research missed.

The study used detailed food tracking with photos and controlled for important factors like diet quality, age, activity level, and pre-pregnancy weight. However, the sample size was relatively small at 144 women, which limits how broadly the results can be applied.

What the Results Show

Women who ate more red meat daily had 3.68 times higher odds of developing blood sugar problems during pregnancy compared to those who ate less. This was a strong association that remained even after accounting for other factors. Interestingly, eating eggs at night was associated with a small but consistent reduction in blood sugar problem risk. The researchers found that the timing and specific types of foods mattered more than total calories or overall nutrient intake.

The study found no significant associations between total energy intake, macronutrients (like carbs, fats, and proteins), or morning eating patterns and blood sugar problems. This suggests that focusing on specific foods and their timing may be more important than just counting calories or macros.

Previous research has shown mixed results about diet and pregnancy blood sugar issues, often focusing on overall diet patterns rather than specific foods and timing. This study’s approach of looking at exact timing of specific foods provides a new perspective that could explain some of the inconsistencies in earlier research.

The study was relatively small with only 144 women, and all participants were recruited from one area, which may limit how well the results apply to other populations. The researchers also note that they cannot prove these foods directly cause blood sugar changes - they can only show associations.

The Bottom Line

Pregnant women may want to limit red meat intake and consider the timing of their meals, though more research is needed to confirm these findings. The evidence is strongest for reducing red meat consumption during pregnancy.

Pregnant women, especially those at risk for gestational diabetes or blood sugar problems, should discuss these findings with their healthcare providers. Women with family history of diabetes may be particularly interested in these results.

Blood sugar changes during pregnancy typically develop in the second or third trimester, so dietary changes made early in pregnancy may have the most impact.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track red meat servings per day and note the timing of egg consumption, especially evening meals
  • Consider reducing red meat portions and experimenting with including eggs in evening meals or snacks
  • Log meal timing alongside food choices to identify personal patterns that may affect blood sugar levels

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Pregnant women should consult with their healthcare providers before making significant dietary changes, especially if they have risk factors for gestational diabetes or other pregnancy complications.