Role of Medical Nutrition Therapy in the Management of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

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Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) is the first step of treatment for women who develop gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Recent studies have shown that, "a healthy diet which is based on low glycemic index (GI) foods, high complex carbohydrates (CHO), and fiber intake, and with a low amount of sugar and saturated fat (Moreno-Castilla, 2016)," will benefit both the mother and the baby postpartum. Overweight and obese mother's who develop GDM can consume a mild restricted caloric diet. However, there is a need for more research on the issue of weight loss with a calorie-restricted diet for obese mothers. CHO intake is also monitored, with a minimum intake of 175g/day, which is about 35-50% of the total amount of calories needed per day. The CHO food sources should be consumed three times a day with two snacks in between meals and they should have a low GI. This approach has been proven to help with maintaining GDM and has benefited mothers and babies postpartum opposed to restricting carbohydrates from the diet. 

 Current research shows that MNT helps to improve a women's glycemic control by enabling her to maintain a normal blood glucose level while providing adequate nutritional intake to promote weight gain without ketosis. MNT also provides a foundation for women to continue a healthy diet after pregnancy, which can lower the risks of developing type two diabetes postpartum. MNT aids in reducing healthcare costs because if women can control their GDM through their diets there is no need for additional medications for her or her baby. Additionally in the long run MNT can also help cut down medical expenses because if the women follow the diet plan it is less likely that their children or themselves will need medical treatment for obesity and type two diabetes later in life. 

 -KM
Moreno-Castilla, C., Mauricio, D., & Hernandez, M. (2016). Role of Medical Nutrition Therapy in the Management of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Current diabetes reports, 16(4), 1-9.



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