Role of high-insulinogenic nutrition in the etiology of gestational diabetes mellitus.
A transient physiologic insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia are characteristic of normal pregnancy. This insulin action has evolved during a period of human evolution that was characterized by a very low-carbohydrate nutrition. The development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is proposed to result from a collision of this evolutionary inheritance with our "modern" nutrition: The "Western" high-insulinogenic nutrition increases the postprandial demand for insulin significantly during the insulin resistant state of late pregnancy. In women with beta-cells that are not capable of maintaining the high insulin production, GDM develops. A restriction of high-insulinogenic carbohydrate may help to prevent the development of GDM.
Kopp
Wolfgang
W
Diagnostikzentrum Graz, Mariatrosterstrasse 41, 8043 Graz, Austria. wk@dzg.at
D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000172:deficiency; D016640:Diabetes, Gestational / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000378:metabolism*; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D011247:Pregnancy; D039401:Prenatal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
D002241:Carbohydrates; D004040:Dietary Carbohydrates; D007328:Insulin