Can a low-glycemic index diet reduce the need for insulin in gestational diabetes mellitus? A randomized trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether prescribing a low-glycemic index diet for women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) could reduce insulin requirements without compromising pregnancy outcomes.
Results Summary
The study found that a low-glycemic index diet halved the proportion of women requiring insulin (29% vs. 59%) compared to a higher-glycemic index diet, with no significant differences in obstetric or fetal outcomes. Nine of the 19 women initially requiring insulin avoided it by switching to a low-glycemic index diet.
Population
Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (n = 63).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
12 months
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
a low-glycemic index diet | decrease | diabetes | individuals with diabetes | - | is effective as a treatment | #1 |
a low-glycemic index diet | increase | pregnancy outcomes | - | - | has been shown to improve | #2 |
a low-glycemic index diet | decrease | the number of women requiring insulin | women with GDM | - | could reduce | #3 |
a low-glycemic index diet | decrease | the number needing to use insulin | women with GDM | halved | halved | #4 |
a low-glycemic index diet | no change | obstetric or fetal outcomes | women with GDM | no significant difference | no compromise of | #5 |
a low-glycemic index diet | no change | key obstetric and fetal outcomes | - | not significantly different | were not significantly different | #6 |
OBJECTIVE: A low-glycemic index diet is effective as a treatment for individuals with diabetes and has been shown to improve pregnancy outcomes when used from the first trimester. A low-glycemic index diet is commonly advised as treatment for women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, the efficacy of this advice and associated pregnancy outcomes have not been systematically examined. The purpose of this study was to determine whether prescribing a low-glycemic index diet for women with GDM could reduce the number of women requiring insulin without compromise of pregnancy outcomes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: All women with GDM seen over a 12-month period were considered for inclusion in the study. Women (n = 63) were randomly assigned to receive either a low-glycemic index diet or a conventional high-fiber (and higher glycemic index) diet. RESULTS: Of the 31 women randomly assigned to a low-glycemic index diet, 9 (29%) required insulin. Of the women randomly assigned to a higher-glycemic index diet, a significantly higher proportion, 19 of 32 (59%), met the criteria to commence insulin treatment (P = 0.023). However, 9 of these 19 women were able to avoid insulin use by changing to a low-glycemic index diet. Key obstetric and fetal outcomes were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Using a low-glycemic index diet for women with GDM effectively halved the number needing to use insulin, with no compromise of obstetric or fetal outcomes.