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Review
. 2023 Jun 13:4:e17.
doi: 10.1017/gmb.2023.6. eCollection 2023.

Modulation of gut microbiota by diet and probiotics: potential approaches to prevent gestational diabetes mellitus

Marisa Carreira Cruz  1 , Sarah Azinheiro  2 , Sónia Gonçalves Pereira  2
Affiliations
Review

Modulation of gut microbiota by diet and probiotics: potential approaches to prevent gestational diabetes mellitus

Marisa Carreira Cruz et al. Gut Microbiome (Camb). .

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a rising global health problem that affects approximately 6% of pregnant women. Lifestyle interventions, particularly diet, and exercise are the first-line treatment, followed by pharmacotherapy, but with associated side effects to both mother and offspring. Modulation of gut microbiota may help prevent or manage GDM. Some gut bacterial groups associated with GDM are also associated with inflammatory biomarkers and gut dysbiosis. Available literature reports that low-glycaemic index diet reduces maternal fasting and 2-hour postprandial glucose and maintains a beneficial gut bacterial composition. Pre- and probiotics can aid GDM therapy by modulating gut microbiota to eubiotic status and improving glucose metabolism. Probiotics as adjuvant GDM therapy should consider bacterial strains, dosage, and treatment duration. Limitations in their use require further studies to develop specific probiotic-based GDM supplement therapy that impacts glycaemic control and inflammatory status by reducing fasting plasma glucose, insulin resistance, and improving lipid profiles of pregnant women.

Keywords: diet; gestational diabetes mellitus; gut microbiota; pregnancy; probiotics.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Possible composition of the gut microbiota in pregnant women with GDM according to the available literature.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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