# Impact of Nutritional and Diabetological Education on Glycemic Control and Obstetric and Perinatal Outcomes in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

## TL;DR

This study shows that education on nutrition and diabetes improves outcomes for pregnant women with gestational diabetes and their babies.

## Contribution

The study evaluates how maternal knowledge and education impact metabolic control and outcomes in gestational diabetes.

## Key findings

- Women with lower nutritional knowledge had higher weight, BMI, and glucose levels.
- Higher knowledge levels were linked to better metabolic control and improved maternal-fetal outcomes.
- Reinforced education during pregnancy led to better results, especially for at-risk women.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common metabolic complications during pregnancy. Nutritional and diabetological education constitutes the cornerstone of treatment; however, its actual impact according to maternal knowledge levels requires further evaluation. The objectives of this study were to assess the influence of maternal dietary and lifestyle knowledge on the metabolic control of women diagnosed with GDM and to analyze the effectiveness of nutritional and diabetological education received during pregnancy in achieving favorable obstetric and perinatal outcomes. Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted at a tertiary referral center in women diagnosed with GDM. Participants completed a specific questionnaire to evaluate dietary and lifestyle knowledge relevant to glycemic control. Pregnancy follow-up included anthropometric measurements, maternal biochemical parameters—including oral glucose tolerance tests—and maternal-fetal obstetric outcomes, analyzed in relation to knowledge levels and education received. Results: Results showed that women with lower nutritional knowledge exhibited higher body weight, body mass index, and glucose levels in GDM diagnostic tests. Higher knowledge levels were associated with improved metabolic control. Nutritional and diabetological education during pregnancy proved beneficial, with better maternal-fetal outcomes observed, particularly among women who received reinforced education. Conclusions: Dietary and lifestyle knowledge significantly influenced GDM metabolic control. Nutritional education before and during pregnancy is key to optimizing glycemic management and improving maternal-fetal outcomes, supporting the need for preventive and educational programs targeting women with risk factors.