The Role of Phytochemicals and Plant-Based Diets in Gestational Diabetes: Evidence from Clinical Trials

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as glucose intolerance identified during pregnancy. The increased risk of pregnancy complications and the adverse health effects for the mother and baby associated with GDM require urgent and effective ways to control the condition. The primary goal of this semi-quantitative review was to examine the effects of phytochemicals and plant-based diets on GDM in clinical studies involving women undergoing pregnancy and to summarize the findings for application in clinical practice and disease management. The articles included in this review show that intervention strategies, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and tea, may be beneficial in the management of GDM and lower blood glucose and improve adverse pregnancy outcomes in these women. The randomized controlled trials reviewed collectively show improved glycemic control markers, blood lipid values, and body weight and composition when supplemented with phytochemical-rich supplements and foods compared to those in the control groups. The findings support the clinical observations of lower GDM risks in women consuming plant-derived diets rich in phytochemicals. Nutrition interventions involving plant-based foods and diets are thus a practical way to reduce hyperglycemia both in patients diagnosed with GDM and those at high risk for the development of GDM.

Effects of dietary polyphenols on maternal and fetal outcomes in maternal diabetes

“…109,160,161 It is necessary to formulate reasonable clinical intervention measures, including clinical trials of polyphenol-based diets or food groups, dietary polyphenol-based supplements, and pure polyphenolic compounds. 162…”

“…109,160,161 It is necessary to formulate reasonable clinical intervention measures, including clinical trials of polyphenol-based diets or food groups, dietary polyphenol-based supplements, and pure polyphenolic compounds. 162 Polyphenols are generally considered safe for use in adults. However, little data have been generated in human clinical studies to demonstrate the safety of polyphenols in pregnant or lactating women.…”

Administration of Akebia Saponin D Improved Blood Lipid Levels and Pregnancy Outcomes in Mice with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

“…Clinical trials revealed that phytochemicals and plant-based diets can reduce hyperglycemia in patients with GDM as well as those at high risk of developing GDM. 40 Zhang et al 11 report that oleuropein, a major phenolic component of Olea europaea L., improves GDM via activating AMPK signaling. Astragaloside IV, the main active component of Astragalus membranaceus , alleviates GDM by targeting NLRP3 inflammasome in db/+ mice.…”

The Impact of Maternal Plant-Based Diet on Obstetric and Neonatal Outcomes—A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The literature indicates that vegetarianism can increase nitric oxide bioavailability and decrease reactive oxygen species [6]. The semiquantitative review conducted by Jaworsky et al of women with high risk for GDM pointed out that a plant-based diet and phytochemicals may reduce blood glucose and improve antioxidant activity to reduce the oxidative stress that is often associated with GDM [21]. Also, plant-rich meals significantly increase the serum levels of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that augments the secretion of insulin [6].…”