A randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of a low-glycemic index diet on pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effects of a low-glycemic index (LGI) diet versus a conventional high-fiber diet on pregnancy outcomes, neonatal anthropometry, and maternal metabolic profile in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
Results Summary
The LGI diet resulted in a modestly lower glycemic index compared to the high-fiber diet, but there were no significant differences in birth weight, macrosomia prevalence, insulin treatment, or adverse pregnancy outcomes between the two groups. Both diets produced similar pregnancy outcomes in intensively monitored women with GDM.
Population
Women aged 26-42 years with GDM diagnosed at 20-32 weeks' gestation (mean prepregnancy BMI 24 ± 5 kg/m²).
Effective Dosage
Target glycemic index ~50 for LGI diet, ~60 for high-fiber diet.
Duration
From diagnosis (20-32 weeks' gestation) until birth.
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
low-glycemic index (LGI) diet | decrease | glycemic index (GI) | women diagnosed with GDM | 47 ± 1 vs. 53 ± 1 | achieved a modestly lower GI than the HF group | #1 |
low-glycemic index (LGI) diet | no change | birth weight | women diagnosed with GDM | 3.3 ± 0.1 kg vs. 3.3 ± 0.1 kg | no significant difference | #2 |
low-glycemic index (LGI) diet | no change | birth weight centile | women diagnosed with GDM | 52.5 ± 4.3 vs. 52.2 ± 4.0 | no significant difference | #3 |
low-glycemic index (LGI) diet | no change | prevalence of macrosomia | women diagnosed with GDM | 2.1% vs. 6.7% | no significant difference | #4 |
low-glycemic index (LGI) diet | no change | insulin treatment | women diagnosed with GDM | 53% vs. 65% | no significant difference | #5 |
low-glycemic index (LGI) diet | no change | adverse pregnancy outcomes | women diagnosed with GDM | - | no significant difference | #6 |
low-glycemic index (LGI) diet | no change | pregnancy outcomes | intensively monitored women with GDM | - | produce similar pregnancy outcomes | #7 |
conventional high-fiber moderate-GI diet (HF) | no change | pregnancy outcomes | intensively monitored women with GDM | - | produce similar pregnancy outcomes | #8 |
OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is rising. There is little evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness of one dietary therapy over another. We aimed to investigate the effect of a low-glycemic index (LGI) versus a conventional high-fiber diet on pregnancy outcomes, neonatal anthropometry, and maternal metabolic profile in GDM. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Ninety-nine women (age 26-42 years; mean ± SD prepregnancy BMI 24 ± 5 kg/m²) diagnosed with GDM at 20-32 weeks' gestation were randomized to follow either an LGI (n = 50; target glycemic index [GI] ~50) or a high-fiber moderate-GI diet (HF) (n = 49; target GI ~60). Dietary intake was assessed by 3-day food records. Pregnancy outcomes were collected from medical records. RESULTS: The LGI group achieved a modestly lower GI than the HF group (mean ± SEM 47 ± 1 vs. 53 ± 1; P < 0.001). At birth, there was no significant difference in birth weight (LGI 3.3 ± 0.1 kg vs. HF 3.3 ± 0.1 kg; P = 0.619), birth weight centile (LGI 52.5 ± 4.3 vs. HF 52.2 ± 4.0; P = 0.969), prevalence of macrosomia (LGI 2.1% vs. HF 6.7%; P = 0.157), insulin treatment (LGI 53% vs. HF 65%; P = 0.251), or adverse pregnancy outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In intensively monitored women with GDM, an LGI diet and a conventional HF diet produce similar pregnancy outcomes.