Gestational diabetes mellitus management: diet and lifestyle

Abstract

Purpose Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common complications of pregnancy. GDM is defined as glucose intolerance of variable severity with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. The purpose of this paper is to produce information on prevalence, screening and diagnosis, pathophysiology and dietary, medical and lifestyle management of GDM. Design/methodology/approach This literature review aimed to document and record the results of the most updated studies published dealing with dietary, medical and lifestyle factors in managing GDM. Findings The prevalence of GDM differs worldwide based on population characteristics, race/ethnicity and diagnostic criteria. The pathophysiology of GDM is multifactorial and it is likely that genetic and environmental factors are associated with the occurrence of GDM. Medical nutritional therapy remains the mainstay of GDM management and aerobic and resistance physical activities are helpful adjunctive therapy when euglycemia is not attained by the medical nutritional therapy alone. When diet and exercise fail to achieve glycemic control, pharmacological agents such as insulin therapy and oral hypoglycemic medications are prescribed. Plasma glucose measurement is an essential part of glycemic control during pregnancy, as well as glycemic control can be evaluated using indicators of glycemic control such as hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), glycated albumin and fructosamine. Originality/value This review is a comprehensive review that illustrates the effect of healthy diet, medical therapy and lifestyle change on improving GDM condition.

Food Group Intake of Pregnant Jordanian Women Based on the Three Pregnancy Trimesters

“…Pregnancy is associated with increased nutritional requirements to meet the demands of both maternal physiological tissue development and fetal growth ( Jardí et al, 2019 ). However, poor nutrition during pregnancy is significantly associated with increased risk of gestational diabetes ( Allehdan et al, 2020 ), excess weight gain during pregnancy ( Hill et al, 2019 ), high infant birth weight, and childhood obesity ( Hu et al, 2020 ).…”

Influence of Diet and Lifestyle on the Development of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and on Perinatal Results

“…The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of maternal diet and lifestyle (before and during the first weeks of gestation) on the development of GDM and on GDM-associated obstetrics and perinatal outcomes. The available evidence focuses on nutrition as a key tool in the initial treatment of GDM, but its possible involvement as a risk factor in the pathogenesis of GDM is not well established [ 24 , 25 ]. The present study demonstrates that an increase in the frequency of consumption of white bread is associated with the development of GDM.…”

Healthy behaviors and gestational diabetes mellitus in an Iranian setting: A cross-sectional study

“…[25] Numerous cross-sectional or interventional studies have focused on GDM and related issues including counseling, diet, BMI, and exercise in Iran. [26,27] However, there is little information in the literature regarding behaviors of women with GDM in Ardabil. The behaviors changes are needed to promote healthy lifestyles in this population.…”