EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF PROBIOTICS IN PREVENTING GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS IN SAUDI WOMEN: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Authors

  • Razan M. Abutalib, Dalal Bamohammed, Rahaf Algrafi, Refan Almowalad, Sheren Saleh, Shahad Alharbi, Aisha Albeladi, Aseel Al Moutiri, Muna Abu Alkhair, Sultana Khan, Raghad N. Alruwaili, Nibras Mustafa Ibrahim Abdelqader, Ibtihaj Alruwaili, Rozan Radwan Author

Keywords:

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), Probiotics, Pregnancy, Saudi Arabia, Fasting Blood Glucose, OGTT, Randomized Controlled Trial, Maternal Health

Abstract

Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) poses significant risks for maternal and neonatal health.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of probiotics in preventing GDM among pregnant Saudi women.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 176 pregnant women from different Saudi hospitals. Participants were assigned to either a Probiotics or Placebo group. GDM incidence and glucose levels (FBG, OGTT 1hr, 2hr) were measured and analyzed.
Results: The Probiotics group showed a significantly lower GDM incidence (22%) compared to the Placebo group (47%, p < 0.01). Fasting and post-glucose intake values were also significantly improved in the Probiotics group (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Probiotics significantly reduce GDM incidence and improve glycemic control, suggesting their potential as a non-pharmacological preventive strategy for GDM in Saudi women.

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Published

2025-08-22

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Articles