Potatoes are almost always present in foods that people consume every day. However, a new study revealed that eating lots of potatoes before getting pregnant can actually cause a dangerous type of diabetes.
A recently released study conducted by a team of researchers from the National Institutes of Health concentrated on whether there is a link between consuming spuds and gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs in pregnant women when their blood sugar level is higher than usual.
It is a condition often marked by frequent urination and dry mouth. It is dangerous since it can affect both the mother and the baby.
They started their research that lasted over 10 years by examining the data of at least 21,693 single-fetus pregnancies recorded during the time period of the study. The scientists found out that out of all of them, 854 women have developed gestational diabetes, which amounts to about 4 percent of the entire test subject population.
These women were then asked various questions in order for the researchers to rule out other factors such as age, family environment and history of diabetes. They discovered that the women who were able to consume two to four 3.5 ounces of any kind of potatoes per week have led to a 27 percent higher risk of developing gestational diabetes.
The experts then pointed out that even though potatoes are a good contender for diet as they are rich in vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber and other nutrients, they are also notoriously starchy, which makes them a viable cause for added sugar that later on can lead to diabetes.
The researchers concluded their study by saying higher consumption of potatoes during pre-pregnancy period has a link with gestational diabetes. However, going for a much more balanced diet that consists of other leafy vegetables, legumes and other whole grain foods might also lower the risk of acquiring this type of dangerous diabetes.
