Individualized nutritional intervention compared with routine care for gestational diabetes prevention: a randomized...

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Nutritional Science
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) impacts millions of pregnant individuals and their offspring.
• Current dietary strategies for GDM prevention lack consensus.
• Identifying high-risk individuals is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of an individualized nutritional intervention in reducing GDM incidence among high-risk pregnant individuals.
• To assess the impact of the intervention on gestational weight gain, metabolic profiles, and perinatal outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 519 high-risk pregnant individuals in Shanghai, China.
• Participants were assigned to either an individualized nutritional intervention or usual care.
• The intervention included dietary consultations based on Chinese guidelines before the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

Main Results:

• No significant difference in GDM incidence between the intervention (34.7%) and control (36.5%) groups.
• The intervention group achieved more appropriate gestational weight gain (GWG).
• Significant improvements were observed in fasting and 2-hour insulin levels, reduced small for gestational age births, and decreased neonatal hypoglycemia.

Conclusions:

• Individualized nutritional intervention did not prevent GDM in high-risk pregnancies.
• The intervention effectively managed GWG and improved key pregnancy outcomes.
• This approach shows promise for optimizing maternal and neonatal health in at-risk populations.