A study from the US has found an association between women eating lots of red and processed meat before or during pregnancy and an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes (also called type 2 diabetes). The study found that where women increase their consumption of red meat by a half portion each day, their risk of developing gestational diabetes increased by 48%. The researchers go on to recommend that pregnant women and those planning a pregnancy substitute animal protein with non-animal protein (including nuts). They suggest substituting some red meat with poultry and fish as well as, eating more vegetables.