# The role of the myo-inositol for the prevention of the gestational diabetes mellitus: systematic review

## TL;DR

This review examines whether myo-inositol can help prevent gestational diabetes in high-risk pregnant women.

## Contribution

A systematic review of myo-inositol's effectiveness in preventing gestational diabetes in at-risk pregnant women.

## Key findings

- Myo-inositol supplementation significantly reduced the incidence of gestational diabetes in all included studies.
- Some studies reported reduced macrosomia and neonatal intensive care unit admissions, but no consistent effect on cesarean delivery or insulin use.
- No significant adverse effects were reported, though headaches were noted in one patient.

## Abstract

This review evaluated myo-inositol supplementation's effectiveness in pregnant women at high risk for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM).

A systematic search in PubMed/MedLine, Cochrane, and VHL databases was conducted using the following terms: "inositol," "diabetes," "gestational diabetes," and "prevention," with no limits on publication period or language. The reference lists were scanned for additional articles.

Relevant studies were identified by screening titles, abstracts, and full texts, following inclusion and exclusion criteria and eliminating duplicates. One additional study was added after reviewing references.

Guided by the PRISMA Statement, data were extracted using Microsoft Excel. The primary outcome was GDM incidence; secondary outcomes included maternal, birth, neonatal health, and adverse effects.

Five studies were included. Myo-inositol supplementation significantly decreased the incidence of GDM in all studies. One study noted significant weight loss. Three studies found no reduction in insulin treatment needs with myo-inositol supplementation. One study showed a decrease in macrosomia incidence. No decrease in cesarean delivery rates was verified, though one study noted reduced hypertensive disorders’ incidence with myo-inositol. Four studies evidenced no reduction in premature birth or shoulder dystocia. There was no significant difference in hypoglycemia incidence in three studies. One study showed a decrease in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admissions with myo-inositol supplementation. One patient reported headaches.

Due to study divergences, no clinical recommendations can be made. However, myo-inositol supplementation appears effective in reducing GDM incidence in at-risk pregnant women.