Is intermittent fasting really beneficial for women with GDM? A mini-review

Abstract

Objective. Intermittent fasting (IF) is a diet regime that has been widely explored for its effect on weight loss, heart health and oxidative stress, especially in Type 2 Diabetes. The number of women suffering from Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is increasing globally. Hence, the following review aims to explore the importance of IF in women suffering from GDM concerning maternal and neonatal outcomes and dietary quality and compliance. Materials and Methods.A systematic literature search was done using PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Web of Science to review the interrelationship between intermittent fasting and GDM. Results.Evidence from studies support that intermittent fasting or other types of energy restriction along with exercise helps to improve mother and fetus-related outcomes in women with GDM. Evidence suggests that IF can help reduce blood sugar levels and weight of women suffering from GDM. A mother performing IF during pregnancy, especially with GDM, poses a risk to the ideal development and growth of the child, resulting in infants with low birth weight or excessive birth weight along with other complications. Conclusions.Various dietary regimes are prescribed for women with GDM. Our review illustrates how the role of IF in women with GDM is controversial. On one side, IF has shown beneficial effects on maternal health in women suffering from GDM. On the other side, IF shows questionable results on neonatal outcomes.