Program
Nurse-Midwifery M.S.
Year Approved
2017
First Advisor
Wrede, Jane
Abstract
Background: Gestational Diabetes (GDM) can have adverse effects on the health of both mother and baby during pregnancy and for a lifetime thereafter. While insulin is the mainstay of treatment, metformin and glyburide may be considered as alternatives (Carroll & Kelley, 2014). Pregnant mothers, however, may be hesitant to use pharmaceutical therapies, preferring natural alternatives (Zaki & Albarraq, 2014). Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify and examine effective non-pharmacological interventions for the prevention and the management of GDM. Results: Twenty-one articles were included in this review and thirteen studies support the use of certain diets (Mediterranean or Dash diets), and dietary supplements (myo-inositol, probiotics, and vitamin D supplementation) in the prevention and management of GDM. The other eight articles support the use of lifestyle modifications (sleep, physical exercise, yoga), and lifestyle intervention (counseling) in the prevention of GDM. Conclusions: The review found that diets (Mediterranean and Dash diets), dietary supplements (myo-inositol, probiotics, and vitamin D), lifestyle modifications (physical exercise, yoga, sleep), and lifestyle interventions show promising results in the prevention and management of GDM. Implications for Practice: Nurse-midwives should remain up-to-date on major interventions and current research trends of GDM, thus safeguarding the health and safety of both pregnant mother and her baby. The findings of this review have implications for nurse-midwives who are working with mothers that are hesitant to use pharmaceutical therapies and prefer alternatives.
Degree Name
M.S. Nurse-Midwifery
Document Type
Masterʼs thesis
Recommended Citation
Aryal, D. (2017). Non-Pharmacologic Measures to Prevent and Treat Gestational Diabetes [Masterʼs thesis, Bethel University]. Spark Repository. https://spark.bethel.edu/etd/35
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