Category
Applied
Description
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is type of high blood sugar with an onset during pregnancy that leads to insulin resistance. Annually, 5-9% of pregnancies are affected by gestational diabetes. GDM frequently causes excessive birth weight, breathing problems, preeclampsia, an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and hypoglycemia following pregnancy. Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is the primary treatment for GDM, but actual dietary guidelines tend to differ between various studies. This narrative literature review aims to synthesize current studies on the effectiveness of MNT for the management and outcome of gestational diabetes. Specifically looking at pathophysiology of the disease, blood sugar, and neonatal health outcome. Peer-reviewed journal articles were identified through PubMed and Google Scholar using key words such as “gestational diabetes,” “medical nutrition therapy,” pathophysiology,” and “neonatal health.” Studies that focused on dietary intervention were included to demonstrate the impact and management of GDM. Although, specific dietary needs are not consistent throughout the literature, MNT consistently represents an improvement in health condition for the mother and baby. MNT suggests the limitation of high glycemic index carbohydrates, adequate protein consumption, and constraints on lipid consumption along with caffeine. Individualized counseling that is sensitive to cultural consideration is vital for success in management of GDM. Studies provide evidence that MNT also leads to decreased maternal weight gain and lower rates of birth complications. MNT plays a key role in the investigation, management, and improvement for GDM through blood glucose, caloric consumption, and neonatal health. Future direction should focus on follow-up studies and standard dietary protocol to strengthen the success of MNT for GDM.
The Role of Medical Nutrition Therapy in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Narrative Review
Applied
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is type of high blood sugar with an onset during pregnancy that leads to insulin resistance. Annually, 5-9% of pregnancies are affected by gestational diabetes. GDM frequently causes excessive birth weight, breathing problems, preeclampsia, an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and hypoglycemia following pregnancy. Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is the primary treatment for GDM, but actual dietary guidelines tend to differ between various studies. This narrative literature review aims to synthesize current studies on the effectiveness of MNT for the management and outcome of gestational diabetes. Specifically looking at pathophysiology of the disease, blood sugar, and neonatal health outcome. Peer-reviewed journal articles were identified through PubMed and Google Scholar using key words such as “gestational diabetes,” “medical nutrition therapy,” pathophysiology,” and “neonatal health.” Studies that focused on dietary intervention were included to demonstrate the impact and management of GDM. Although, specific dietary needs are not consistent throughout the literature, MNT consistently represents an improvement in health condition for the mother and baby. MNT suggests the limitation of high glycemic index carbohydrates, adequate protein consumption, and constraints on lipid consumption along with caffeine. Individualized counseling that is sensitive to cultural consideration is vital for success in management of GDM. Studies provide evidence that MNT also leads to decreased maternal weight gain and lower rates of birth complications. MNT plays a key role in the investigation, management, and improvement for GDM through blood glucose, caloric consumption, and neonatal health. Future direction should focus on follow-up studies and standard dietary protocol to strengthen the success of MNT for GDM.
