Positive Health Online

Abstract

HERNANDEZ and COLLEAGUES,  (1)†Division of Women, Children, and Family Health, College of Nursing ‡Center for Women's Health Research Departments of *Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes §Geriatric Medicine ∥Pediatrics ¶Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado studied the role of diet in the management of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Background

Elucidating the optimal macronutrient composition for dietary management of gestational diabetes mellitus has enormous potential to improve perinatal outcomes.

Methodology

Diet therapy may result in significant cost savings if effective in deterring the need for expensive medical management within this growing population.

Results

In only 6 randomized controlled trials in 250 women, data suggest that a diet higher in complex carbohydrate and fibre, low in simple sugar, and lower in saturated fat may be effective in blunting postprandial hyperglycaemia, preventing worsened insulin resistance and excess foetal growth.

Conclusion

The use of diet in gestational diabetes mellitus remains an area in grave need for high-quality randomized controlled trials.

References

Hernandez TL(1), Anderson MA, Chartier-Logan C, Friedman JE, Barbour LA. Strategies in the nutritional management of gestational diabetes. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 56(4):803-15. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0b013e3182a8e0e5.  Dec 2013.