Dietary Approaches for Managing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Narrative Review

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a growing public health concern, influencing pregnancy outcomes and long-term health for pregnant people and infants.1-3 Effective dietary management of GDM is critical for preventing complications.4 This narrative review evaluates the effectiveness of various dietary interventions in managing GDM, including Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), low glycemic index, plant-based, Mediterranean, and energy-restricted diets. The review assesses the results from 14 published studies, including randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. The DASH diet was associated with significant benefits in reducing HbA1c levels, improving lipid profiles, and decreasing the rates of cesarean sections and macrosomia. Low glycemic index diets improved postprandial glucose levels and reduced insulin requirements, though findings regarding overall glycemic control and pregnancy outcomes were conflicting. Plant-based diets were associated with enhanced insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammation, offering substantial maternal and neonatal health benefits. The Mediterranean diet was associated with reduced GDM incidence and improved metabolic health. Energy-restricted diets did not outperform standard care GDM diets that were focused on balanced macronutrient intake to meet nutritional needs of the pregnant person and fetus. These findings highlight the importance of dietary composition and quality in GDM management. Among the diets assessed, DASH appears most effective for glycemic control and improved pregnancy outcomes. Although the Mediterranean diet shares features with DASH, evidence for its efficacy in treating GDM is limited. Low glycemic index and plant-based diets also show promise in glycemic control. Further research is needed to establish standardized dietary guidelines for GDM management. High-quality studies, particularly randomized controlled trials comparing dietary patterns, are essential to optimize nutritional guidance for individuals with or at risk of GDM.