COVID-19 and Gestational Diabetes: The Role of Nutrition and Pharmacological Intervention in Preventing Adverse Outcomes

Nutrients. 2022 Aug 30;14(17):3562. doi: 10.3390/nu14173562.

Abstract

Pregnant women with GDM affected by COVID-19 seem to be at higher risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, especially those with overweight or obesity. Good glycemic control seems to be the most effective measure in reducing the risk of GDM and severe COVID-19. For such purposes, the Mediterranean diet, micronutrient supplementation, and physical activity are considered the first line of treatment. Failure to achieve glycemic control leads to the use of insulin, and this clinical scenario has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. In this review, we explore the current evidence pertaining to the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 leading to the main complications caused by COVID-19 in patients with GDM. We also discuss the incidence of complications caused by COVID-19 in pregnant women with GDM according to their treatment.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes; gestational diabetes; insulin; metformin; nutrition; physical activity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Diabetes, Gestational* / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Obesity / complications
  • Overweight / complications
  • Pregnancy
  • SARS-CoV-2

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.