In experimental animal models, we showed that diabetes and/or maternal high-fat diet can independently induce abnormalities in the brain long chain omega-6 & -3 fatty acids of the young offspring that may have consequences for neurological development.

To prevent the complications of diabetes mellitus in the infant, at EvexiaDiet, we recommend to:

• Maintain a healthy pre-conception body weight
• Follow a diet plan that maintains near-normal blood glucose levels for a successful conception and healthy pregnancy outcome by balancing insulin with food
• With the help of the Clinical Dietitian, choose foods based on the Diabetes Food Pyramid, the research experience of EvexiaDiet, the new treatments and dietary patterns, and the right food combinations of essential ingredients to support optimal nourishment of the fetus and a healthy outcome of pregnancy

A pregnancy metabolic disorder that is a strong predictor of early-onset of obesity and type 2 diabetes in the offspring.

Outcome of gestational diabetes, we showed that:
Disturbance in essential fatty acid synthesis was also present in the neonates (umbilical cord blood) of women with gestational diabetes, and the placental data suggested a perturbation in the essential fatty acid transport and/or fetal lipid metabolism.

• The principal function of the placenta is the supply of nutrients to the fetus
• Gestational diabetes is a good example of “fetal programming” for the development of disease later in life

For the prevention of neonatal macrosomia (birth weight > 4Kg), obesity and the development of Type 2 Diabetes in children born to diabetic mothers, at EvexiaDiet, we recommend:

• Overweight or obese women with pre-diabetes or history of diabetes in the immediate family or PCOS syndrome or history of gestational diabetes to plan ahead their pregnancy
• Prior to conception, aim to reduce the body weight by at least 10% of the initial weight
• Based on our research, follow a diet before and during pregnancy together with exercise (e.g., walking) to increase blood flow to the placenta so that the fetus to get all the necessary nutrients for its development

Preeclampsia refers to the new onset of hypertension (systolic or diastolic blood pressure ≥140 or ≥90 mmHg, respectively) diagnosed at 20 weeks of gestation along with proteinuria or dysfunction of at least one other organ (kidney, liver, nervous system, uteroplacental circulatory system).

• Affects 5-8% of pregnancies and can lead to premature birth and the prematurity-related complications, such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy and learning disability

At Evexiadiet, we have successfully provided consultation and intervention sessions to cases with diabetes or gestational diabetes or obesity in pregnancy, all being at increased risk for preeclampsia. Based upon our research, we suggest:

• Special nutritional programs to cover the energy and necessary nutrients required and manage healthy body weight gain during pregnancy
• Beware of excessive weight gain preconceptionally, and especially during pregnancy because it may increase the risk of preeclampsia

At EvexiaDiet (the innovative research project “Maternal nutrition, low birth weight of the newborn and prematurity”), we have focused on the risks involved in developing disorders of the brain. The nutritional needs for brain development are different from those for body development. The brain is composed, for the most part, of lipids and is highly dependent on specific derivatives of the omega-3 &-6 essential fatty acids. At EvexiaDiet in writing an important paper (PhD), we showed for the first time that the human placenta depends on ARA (arachidonic acid), an essential very long chain omega-6 fatty acid, from the earliest stages of its development, for its structure and growth. During this process, maternal nutrition is involved to a significant extent.

 Vitamins & Trace Elements: mothers who gave birth to preterm and low birth weight infants are likely to have marginal levels of certain nutrients, such as vitamin A, zinc and magnesium.

Ατ EvexiaDiet, we recommend:

• Higher intake of vitamins and trace elements before pregnancy to optimize nutritional status of the mother. Whilst, with respect to the outcome of the pregnancy, it requires further investigation