Evidenced-Based Nutrition for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.
Study Goal
To review the latest evidence for dietary interventions, including low-carbohydrate diets, for the treatment of gestational diabetes (GDM).
Results Summary
The study found no major advantages of low-carbohydrate diets over calorie-restricted diets for GDM, with low glycemic index diets showing better outcomes in reducing insulin use and macrosomia risk.
Population
Women with gestational diabetes (GDM).
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
low-carbohydrate diet | no change | - | women with gestational diabetes | no major advantages | demonstrate no major advantages | #1 |
calorie-restricted diet | no change | - | women with gestational diabetes | no major advantages | demonstrate no major advantages | #2 |
low glycemic index (GI) diet | decrease | insulin use | women with gestational diabetes | - | demonstrated lower | #3 |
low glycemic index (GI) diet | decrease | macrosomia | women with gestational diabetes | - | demonstrated reduced risk of | #4 |
Mediterranean diet | no change | - | women in pregnancy | safe | is safe | #5 |
ketogenic diet | neutral | - | women with gestational diabetes | insufficient data | insufficient data to support the safety of | #6 |
low GI diet | increase | maternal and neonatal outcomes | women with gestational diabetes | - | may improve | #7 |
liberalized carbohydrate intake | increase | long-term maternal adherence | women with gestational diabetes | - | may improve | #8 |
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the latest evidence for dietary interventions for treatment of gestational diabetes (GDM). RECENT FINDINGS: High-quality systematic reviews demonstrate no major advantages between the low-carbohydrate or calorie-restricted diets. However, the low glycemic index (GI) diet, characterized by intake of high-quality, complex carbohydrates, demonstrated lower insulin use and reduced risk of macrosomia in multiple reviews. Recent evidence suggests the Mediterranean diet is safe in pregnancy, though trials are needed to determine its efficacy over conventional dietary advice. Currently, there are insufficient data to support the safety of the ketogenic diet for the treatment of GDM. The low GI diet may improve maternal and neonatal outcomes in GDM. The liberalized carbohydrate intake is less restrictive, culturally adaptable, and may improve long-term maternal adherence. Further research is needed to establish the optimal, most sustainable, and most acceptable medical nutrition therapy for management of women with GDM.