Influence of low-glycemic index diet for gestational diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background: Low-glycemic index (GI) diet might be beneficial for gestational diabetes. However, the results remained controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of low-GI diet on gestational diabetes. Methods: PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases were systematically searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of low-GI diet on gestational diabetes were included. Two investigators independently searched articles, extracted data, and assessed the quality of included studies. This meta-analysis was performed using the random-effect model. Results: Six RCTs involving 532 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with a control intervention in gestational diabetes, low-GI diet was found to significantly reduce 2 h postprandial glucose (Std. MD = -0.46; 95% CI = -0.82 to -0.10; p =.01), but demonstrated no substantial influence on fasting plasma glucose (Std. MD = -0.24; 95% CI = -0.72 to 0.24; p =.33), HbA1c (Std. MD = 0.01; 95% CI = -0.29 to 0.31; p =.94), birth weight (Std. MD = -0.17; 95% CI = -0.41 to 0.06; p =.15), macrosomia (Std. MD = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.16 to 1.30; p =.14) and insulin requirement (Std. MD = 0.91; 95% CI = 0.68 to 1.22; p =.55). Conclusions: Compared with control intervention in gestational diabetes, low-GI diet was found to significantly decrease 2 h postprandial glucose, but showed no notable impact on fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, birth weight, macrosomia, and insulin requirement.