Mediterranean Diet as a Management Strategy for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus - A Narrative Review of the Literature

Sep 28, 2026

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a pregnancy complication caused by disordered glucose tolerance that can lead to serious fetomaternal outcomes when insufficiently managed. Risk factors include maternal age, family history, obesity, and particularly diet, which is modifiable and widely studied. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has been linked in several studies to lower GDM incidence and improved glucose tolerance. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on MedDiet use during pregnancy and evaluates its potential nutritional role in managing GDM.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages7

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction And Background

Definition, prevalence, and consequences of GDM

Pathophysiology and role of insulin resistance

Modifiable factors: diet and physical activity

Mediterranean diet characteristics and proposed mechanisms

Review began 10/17/2025 Review ended 11/22/2025 Published 12/01/2025 © Copyright 2025 Kashif et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License CC-BY 4.0. , which permits unrestricted use , distribution , and reproduction in any medium , provided the original author and source are credited. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.98254 Open Access Review Article Mediterranean Diet as a Management Strategy for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Narrative Review of the Literature Ammara Kashif 1 , Monica Chekera 1, Anastasios Malakasis 2, Vaia Sarli 3, Nikolaos Machairiotis 3 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, GBR 2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women’s Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, GBR 3. Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Attiko University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, GRC Corresponding author: Vaia Sarli, [vanasarli@yahoo.gr](vanasarli@yahoo.gr) Abstract Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a medical complication of glucose intolerance that develops during pregnancy and is among the most common pregnancy complications. If not adequately managed, it can lead to serious fetomaternal complications. Risk factors for developing GDM include maternal age, family history of diabetes, obesity, and diet. Modifiable risk factors, particularly diet, have been extensively studied. Several studies suggest that adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) may be associated with a lower incidence of GDM and improved glucose tolerance. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge on the use of the MedDiet during pregnancy and its potential as a nutritional intervention for managing GDM. Categories: Family/General Practice, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Nutrition Keywords: gestational diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, mediterranean diet, nutrition, pregnancy Introduction And Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is characterized as disordered glucose tolerance that develops during pregnancy [1] . In the UK, it is estimated to affect approximately one in 23 pregnancies [2], while global prevalence is reported to range between 7% and 15%, depending on the diagnostic criteria and population studied [1,3,4]. Although the pathophysiology of GDM is not fully understood, it is widely accepted that the fetoplacental unit and pregnancy-induced insulin resistance are the primary driving factors [1,3] . GDM is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and increased long-term morbidity for both mother and child, including macrosomia, preeclampsia, cesarean delivery, and an elevated lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome [1,3,5,6] . Non-modifiable risk factors for GDM include maternal age, previous GDM, and family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus [1,4] . Identifying modifiable risk factors is crucial for implementing preventive strategies to reduce the risk of developing GDM and its associated complications. One such modifiable risk factor is diet. GDM represents a state of glucose intolerance that develops or is first recognized during pregnancy [1] . Its prevalence is increasing globally, paralleling trends in obesity and sedentary lifestyles [1,3,6]. Although the condition typically resolves after delivery, it carries significant short-and long-term implications for both mother and child, including increased perinatal morbidity, higher rates of operative delivery, and a markedly increased risk of future type 2 diabetes mellitus in the mother [1,5,6]. Offspring of pregnancies complicated by GDM are also at greater risk of obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, and cardiometabolic disease later in life [5,6] . These observations underscore the importance of early identification and effective management of GDM, as

FAQs

What is gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and why is management important?

GDM is disordered glucose tolerance that develops or is first recognized during pregnancy. If not adequately managed, it can cause serious fetomaternal complications and increases long-term morbidity for both mother and child.

Which risk factors for GDM are emphasized as modifiable versus non-modifiable?

Non-modifiable factors include maternal age, previous GDM, and family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Modifiable risk factors include diet and other lifestyle determinants such as physical activity.

How does the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) relate to GDM prevention or management?

Studies suggest that adherence to the MedDiet may be associated with a lower incidence of GDM and improved glucose tolerance. The review discusses biological plausibility through effects on insulin sensitivity, inflammation modulation, and metabolic/cardiovascular protection.

Sep 28, 2026

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