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Current Diabetes Reports
Published in: Current Diabetes Reports 10/2019

01-10-2019 | Insulins | Diabetes and Pregnancy (M-F Hivert and CE Powe, Section Editors)

Evidenced-Based Nutrition for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Authors: Amita Mahajan, Lois E. Donovan, Rachelle Vallee, Jennifer M. Yamamoto

Published in: Current Diabetes Reports | Issue 10/2019

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Abstract

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.

Summary

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.
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Metadata
Title
Evidenced-Based Nutrition for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors
Amita Mahajan
Lois E. Donovan
Rachelle Vallee
Jennifer M. Yamamoto
Publication date
01-10-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Diabetes Reports / Issue 10/2019
Print ISSN: 1534-4827
Electronic ISSN: 1539-0829
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-019-1208-4

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