Healthy Eating in Women at Risk of Gestational Diabetes

Healthy eating during pregnancy has favorable effects on markers related to diabetes (glucose tolerance) and is associated with lower gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk. The cornerstone of GDM treatment is nutrition therapy but the latter often starts late in pregnancy and thus may not have the expected effects on glucose tolerance. What if an intervention promoting healthy eating was initiated at the beginning of pregnancy in all women at risk, would it improve glucose homeostasis? To answer this important question, the investigators will perform a randomized controlled trial in 150 pregnant women. Women receiving the nutritional intervention will be compared to a control group receiving standard care. The nutritional intervention, which will start in the first trimester, is based on the 2019 Canada\'s Food Guide and is composed of 4 individual sessions with a registered dietitian (12, 18, 24 and 30 weeks). Between those follow-ups, informative nutritional web capsules and phone calls with the registered dietitian will be provided. To ensure that the women remain motivated and receive social support, a private Facebook group will be used. The investigators hypothesize that the nutritional intervention will be effective at improving glucose homeostasis. The investigators expect the results will show the importance of nutritional care starting early in pregnancy in women at risk of GDM.