Gestational diabetes: Potential of prebiotics intervention

Abstract

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is defined as glucose intolerance with first recognition during pregnancy. With the new IADPSG diagnostic criteria the prevalence of GDM increases significantly worldwide. The potential risks of GDM for mother and child both in the short and long term urge more treatments to be explored. Resistant starches as a prebiotics has been shown possessing multiple health benefits including improving glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Altered gut fermentation and microbiota and sequential enhancement in blood gut peptides (i.e. GLP-1) are suggested mechanisms involved. The goal of this paper is to provide a brief overview on GDM and the role of RS in the treatment of GDM.

Keywords

Resistant starch - gestational diabetes - glycemic control - prebiotics