Myo-inositol for GDM prevention: What the latest evidence reveals!

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Created On: 06/12/2025

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a key pregnancy-related complication with significant maternal and fetal health risks.

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Key take away

Myo-inositol substantially lowers the incidence of gestational diabetes, improves glucose tolerance, and reduces risks of preterm birth and pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a key pregnancy-related complication with significant maternal and fetal health risks. Although myo-inositol (MI) has gained interest as a potential preventive and therapeutic option, existing research yields mixed results owing to inconsistent methodologies and limited-quality evidence. Therefore, this study determined the effectiveness of MI in both preventing and managing GDM, helping inform clinical decision-making with stronger evidence.

Method

This systematic review and meta-analysis were performed utilizing studies indexed in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase from inception through July 2024. In total, 12 eligible studies involving 9,018 volunteers were examined via fixed- and random-effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed with I² statistics and the Cochrane Q test, while study quality was evaluated via the AMSTAR-2 tool for systematic reviews.

Result

MI supplementation substantially lowered the likelihood of developing GDM (relative risk [RR] 0.37), reduced fasting blood glucose levels (standardized mean difference [SMD] –1.31 mg/dL), and improved 1-hour (SMD –2.63 mg/dL) and 2-hour (SMD –0.95 mg/dL) glucose tolerance test values.

MI also minimized preterm birth risk (RR 0.37) and pregnancy-triggered hypertension (RR 0.34). A slight, non-significant reduction in cesarean delivery rates was noted (RR 0.82). While MI decreased neonatal birth weight (SMD –0.25 kg), it showed no measurable impact on neonatal hypoglycemia (RR 0.30) or gestational age (SMD –0.13 weeks).

Conclusion

MI appears to be a promising supplement for mitigating the likelihood of GDM and improving pregnancy outcomes, especially when used early in pregnancy among high-risk women. However, its role as a treatment for women already diagnosed with GDM remains uncertain and warrants further high-quality research.