Effect of 3-Day Intensive Dietary Therapy During Admission in Women after Diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Prasert Sunsaneevithayakul MD* Pornpimol Ruangvutilert MD, PhD*, Anuwat Sutanthavibul MD*, Sujin Kanokpongsakdi MD*, Dittakarn Boriboohirunsarn MD, MPH, PhD*, Yoopin Raengpetch BNS**, Supannee Lertpadungkulchai MSc**
Affiliation : * Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University ** Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University
Objective : To determine the impact of 3-day intensive dietary therapy during admission on glycemic control.
Materials and Methods : GDM women, with level of fasting blood glucose (FBS) at or above 105 mg/dl on their
oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), were hospitalized. After 3-day intensive dietary therapy, the women were
stratified by FBS value and mean 2-hour postprandial blood glucose. Those with poor glycemic control, FBS
at or above 105 mg/dl, were prescribed insulin therapy.
Result : Between 1 August 2001 to 31 December 2002, a total of 9861 pregnant women were screened for
clinical risk factors of GDM at their first antenatal visits, and 4663 had at least 1 risk. After 50-gm glucose
challenge test and 100-gm OGTT, GDM was diagnosed in 300 women. Only 18% (54 in 300 cases) of GDM
had level of FBS at or above 105 mg/dl on OGTT. They were admitted in a special ward for further investigation
and initial management. After 3 days of intensive dietary therapy, the FBS and mean 2-hour postprandial
blood glucose level were monitored and stratified in 3 groups. Only 42.6% of admission group (23 in 54
cases) still had FBS at or above 105 mg/dl and required insulin therapy (group 1). One third (18 in 54 cases)
could avoid insulin therapy due to the level of FBS below 105 mg/dl and mean 2- hour postprandial blood
glucose below 120 mg/dl (group 2). This second group was discharged, and due to attend the high risk
pregnancy clinic a few weeks later. The third group (group 3), comprising one fourth (13 in 54 cases), had
FBS below 105 mg/dl but had a mean 2-hour postprandial blood glucose at or above 120 mg/dl. This third
group were also discharged and were monitored glycemic profile by FBS and 2-hour postprandial blood
glucose every time during their visits to the high risk pregnancy clinic. According to criteria of 2-hour
postprandial blood glucose at or above 120 mg/dl on two or more occasions within a 1-2 weeks interval, no
one in group 3 needed insulin therapy afterward.
Conclusion : GDM women with FBS at or above 105 mg/dl on their OGTT, should be prescribed intensive
dietary therapy alone for 3 days inside hospital rather than initiating insulin immediately after diagnosis.
One third had a benefit of avoiding insulin therapy. Only 42% failed to achieve good glycemic control and
still needed insulin therapy. One fourth showed optimal glycemic control after this intervention (FBS below
105 mg/dl) but had mean 2-hour postprandial blood glucose at or above 120 mg/dl. Longer trial of dietary
therapy should be considered in this last group to avoid over treatment of insulin therapy.
Keywords : Gestational diabetes mellitus , Intensive dietary therapy, Insulin therapy
