One in 10 pregnancies is affected by gestational diabetes (GDM) which means a lot more monitoring, appointments and patient burden for mothers-to-be and possible negative health outcomes for the baby.
Recent studies suggest that this is another ‘modern’ condition that may be affected by gut microbial dysbiosis. Research is uncovering links between the early-pregnancy gut microbiome as early as trimester 1 and later GDM diagnosis.
In my book I focus heavily on pre-conception preparation which also includes testing. You don’t know what you don’t know and through specific testing, you may learn where your body needs a little help BEFORE you try and fall pregnant.
In Chapter 2 of my book I explain the significance of your microbiome as it relates to fertility and the health outcomes of your baby. It’s not only the gut microbiome that plays a role but also your oral health.
How can repairing your gut microbiome help prevent GDM?
Gut dysbiosis and imbalanced microbiome affect health in many ways, but recent research focussed on the role of inflammatory markers, in particular Interleuken-6. If you have a particular alteration on a gene that regulates inflammation, and imbalanced blood sugar levels, your risk of developing GDM will rise exponentially.
Research published in the British Medical Journal found:
· elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in women who later developed GDM;
· decreased faecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs, now commonly referred to as postbiotics) and altered microbiome were also found in women who later developed GDM;
· it was confirmed that differences in GDM-associated microbial composition during the first trimester drove inflammation and insulin resistance more than 10 weeks prior to GDM diagnosis.
Researchers were then able to predict GDM based on first trimester clinical, microbial, and inflammatory markers with high accuracy.
This further highlights the importance of preparing your body well before you plan to fall pregnant. A comprehensive list of tests is in appendix 3 of my book.
Order your copy from Amazon today.
