A 12-hour comprehensive nutrition care benefits blood glucose level and weight gain and improves outcomes in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with adverse outcomes and neonatal complications. Its prevalence has been rapidly increasing over the last decade; it is estimated that one in six pregnant women are diagnosed with GDM. Thus, an effective management approach is necessary for women with GDM. This study investigated the effect of a 12-h comprehensive nutrition care (12h-HNC) on the metabolism and outcomes of pregnant women with GDM and neonatal birth weight and hypoglycemia.

METHODS

The study included 312 pregnant women with GDM at 24-28 weeks of gestation who were treated in our department from January 2014 to December 2016. They were randomly assigned to receive a 12h-HNC (12h-HNC group, n=158) or traditional one-time nutrition guidance (control group, n=154). Maternal blood glucose levels and weight gain, as well as maternal and neonatal outcomes were evaluated and compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Compared to those in the control group, patients in the 12h-HNC group had significantly lower 2-h postprandial glucose levels (P<0.05), lower average weight increase (P<0.05), and better outcomes (P<0.05). Neonatal birth weight and incidence of macrosomia were significantly lower in the 12h-HNC group. The incidence of cesarean section was similar in the two groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The 12h-HNC enabled better blood glucose and weight increase control, improving both maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with GDM. This comprehensive nutrition intervention may achieve favorable effects in clinical practice.