Myoinositol supplementation in the treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus: effects on glycaemic control and maternal-foetal outcomes

Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as glucose intolerance with onset during pregnancy. It is characterized by high risk of adverse outcomes for the mother and the foetus, if not adequately controlled. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of 4000 mg of myoinositol supplementation in women with GDM on maternal-foetal outcomes, compared to controls. Methods A cohort of 330 women with GDM, 150 supplemented with myoinositol and 180 controls were enrolled. Clinical and metabolic parameters and the prevalence of maternal and foetal complications were assessed. Results The same number of women in the two groups started insulin as additional therapy. Women treated with myoinositol more frequently had a long-acting insulin scheme of treatment than those untreated ( p <0.001), while women untreated with myoinositol more frequently had a basal-bolus insulin regimen (p<0.001) compared to women on myoinositol. Patients treated with myoinositol had significantly lower fasting plasma glucose ( p =0.032), post-prandial dinner glucose ( p =0.014), insulin requirement both in the 2nd and in the 3rd trimesters ( p =0.001 and p <0.001, respectively), than those not treated with myoinositol. With regard to maternal/foetal outcomes, lower birth weight ( p =0.043) and frequency of hypoglycaemic events ( p =0.001) were observed in women treated with myoinositol compared to controls. Conclusions Women with GDM treated with myoinositol showed an improved glycaemic control in the 3 rd trimester of pregnancy and a lower insulin requirement, when insulin was added to the treatment, compared to controls. In addition, they showed lower preterm birth weight and neonatal hypoglycaemia, compared to women not supplemented with myoinositol.