Recent Advances in Nutritional Management of Gestational Diabetes: From Pathophysiology to Clinical Practice

Dear Colleagues,

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a common condition that affects about 14% of pregnancies worldwide, although some regions have prevalence rates as high as 40%. Differences in screening and diagnostic methods may contribute to this significant variation in prevalence. GDM is not a benign condition; it can lead to various adverse outcomes for both the mother and the child. For fetuses, it leads to a higher risk of preterm birth, macrosomia, sudden intrauterine death, and fetal distress. For newborns, it poses a higher risk of respiratory distress and of hypoglycemia immediately after birth, as well as increasing the risk of developing childhood obesity and diabetes in the future. For mothers, the risks include preeclampsia, a higher chance of cesarean delivery, and an increased probability of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease in the future. There is an urgent need to focus on preventive prenatal and postnatal care in order to avoid the onset of GDM during gestation and to prevent diabetes after childbirth in women who have had GDM. Medical nutritional therapy is the primary approach to managing GDM, and this type of therapy should include optimizing the health of women who are planning to get pregnant and improving their metabolic health after delivery, along with aiding in weight management and encouraging physical activity. This Special Issue invites experts in the field of GDM to share their insights into the latest advancements in understanding of the condition’s pathophysiology, and to explore how these insights can aid in the development of effective nutritional intervention strategies.

Dr. Chin Meng Khoo
Guest Editor

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