Title:Prevention of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) and Probiotics: Mechanism of Action: A Review
Volume: 16
Issue: 6
Author(s): Aziz Homayouni, Nahal Bagheri, Sakineh Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi, Neda Kashani, Noshin Mobaraki-Asl, Mojgan Mirghafurvand, Hanieh Asgharian, Fereshteh Ansari and Hadi Pourjafar*
Affiliation:
- Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh,Iran
Keywords:
Probiotics, gut microbiota, gestational diabetes mellitus, GDM, pregnancy, hyperglycemia.
Abstract:
Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a health problem that is increasing
around the world.
Introduction: Prevention of GDM, rather than treatment, could have several benefits in terms of both
health and economic cost. Even a slight reduction in maternal glucose in non-diabetic women, particularly
in women at high risk for GDM, may have significant benefits for pregnancy results and the future
health of off-springs. Probiotics are a relatively new intervention, which are assessed by mothers’
metabolism, and can reduce blood sugar levels, prevent gestational diabetes and reduce the maternal
and fetal complications resulting from it. The aim of this study was to review the studies on the prevention
of gestational diabetes and assess the potential beneficial effects of probiotics on gestational
diabetes and their possible mechanism of action.
Methods: Articles compiled through clinical trials indexed in PubMed, Science Direct, Cochran, and
Medlib between 2000 and 2017, with the keywords probiotics, prevention, and gestational diabetes
mellitus were selected.
Results: Considering the potential of probiotics in the modulation of gut microbiota, naturalization increases
intestinal permeability, regulation of pro-inflammatory mediators’ secretion and thereby controlling
local and systemic inflammation results in decreasing intestinal permeability, enhancing the
immune system. It likely has the ability to prevent or control diabetes during pregnancy although confirmatory
studies are still needed.
Conclusion: Experimental and clinical evidence support the supposition that the modulation of the gut
microbiota via probiotic microorganisms could be effective in the prevention of gestational diabetes
mellitus.