An investigation of the association between maternal food insecurity during pregnancy and gestational diabetes (GDM), and inequalities in adverse pregnancy outcomes among women experiencing GDM

Food insecurity has significantly increased in the UK with over a quarter of households with babies and young children skipping meals, going hungry, and not eating for 1 whole day 1. Current studies suggest that food insecurity is associated with an increased health risks including obesity and diabetes 2, 3. Women, especially those from minoritised ethnic groups, are most susceptible to food insecurity, which impacts on their health and well-being, with lifelong implications for them and their babies making this a rapidly emerging policy priority 4. Studies in the USA have shown an increased risk of gestational diabetes (GDM) among food insecure women 5, 6; however, there is a lack of data from the UK and among South Asian women who are at both increased risk of food insecurity and for GDM. This study will use data from Born in Bradford (BiB) cohort study to respond to the need for evidence-based policy to (1) explore the associations between food insecurity and gestational diabetes in a population of predominantly South Asian women; and (2) build a network bringing together researchers, voluntary sector organisations and policy makers to develop a future research funding application and policy impact activities.