Researchers are testing whether a special type of fiber supplement called XOS inulin can help pregnant women who develop gestational diabetes (high blood sugar during pregnancy). This study will follow pregnant women for 8 weeks, giving some women nutrition advice only, while others also take the fiber supplement at different amounts. Scientists want to see if the supplement helps control blood sugar, improves cholesterol levels, and changes the helpful bacteria in the gut. This research could offer a natural way to help both mothers and babies stay healthier during pregnancy.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether taking a fiber supplement made from xylose oligosaccharides and inulin (XOS inulin) helps pregnant women with gestational diabetes control their blood sugar and improve their cholesterol levels
  • Who participated: Pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks along in their pregnancy who have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes (a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy)
  • Key finding: This is a study protocol—the actual research hasn’t been completed yet. The researchers plan to measure blood sugar control, cholesterol levels, and gut bacteria changes over 8 weeks to see if the fiber supplement helps
  • What it means for you: If the results are positive, this could offer pregnant women with gestational diabetes a natural supplement option to help manage their condition alongside regular nutrition advice. However, pregnant women should always talk to their doctor before taking any supplements

The Research Details

This is a planned randomized controlled trial, which is one of the strongest types of medical research. The study will last 8 weeks and include three groups of pregnant women. One group will receive nutrition education and advice about healthy eating. The second group will get the same nutrition education plus a lower dose of the XOS inulin supplement (12 grams per day). The third group will receive nutrition education plus a higher dose of the supplement (24 grams per day). By comparing these three groups, researchers can see if the supplement actually helps beyond just giving good nutrition advice.

The study is ‘open-label,’ which means both the pregnant women and the researchers know who is getting the supplement and who isn’t. Researchers will take measurements at the beginning, after 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks to track changes in blood sugar control, cholesterol, and the bacteria living in the digestive system.

This research design is important because it helps prove whether the fiber supplement actually works or if improvements come from the nutrition education alone. By testing two different doses, researchers can also figure out which amount works best. Studying the gut bacteria is particularly interesting because scientists believe the bacteria in our digestive system play a big role in how our body handles blood sugar and cholesterol

This is a well-designed study protocol published in a reputable journal called ‘Trials.’ The study is registered in a clinical trial database, which means it’s officially tracked and transparent. However, this is the study plan, not the actual results yet. The study is single-center (happening at one location), which is a limitation. The open-label design means there’s potential for bias since everyone knows who’s getting the supplement. The study focuses on a specific population (pregnant women with gestational diabetes), so results may not apply to everyone

What the Results Show

This document is a study protocol, meaning the research hasn’t been completed yet and no results are available. The researchers have outlined what they plan to measure, but the actual findings will come later when the 8-week study is finished.

The main measurement they’ll focus on is something called glycosylated serum protein (GSP), which shows how well blood sugar has been controlled over the past 2-3 weeks. They’ll also measure fasting blood sugar (blood sugar when you haven’t eaten), insulin levels, and blood sugar levels 2 hours after eating.

Additionally, they’ll check cholesterol and triglyceride levels (types of fats in the blood) and analyze the bacteria in participants’ digestive systems. These measurements will be taken at the start, after 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks to see if the supplement makes a difference.

Beyond blood sugar control, the researchers will look at how the supplement affects overall cholesterol health by measuring different types of cholesterol (LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol). They’ll also examine how the supplement affects digestive function and track pregnancy outcomes for both mothers and babies. The gut bacteria analysis is particularly important because it may explain how the fiber supplement works—fiber feeds the good bacteria in your digestive system, which may help control blood sugar and cholesterol

Previous research suggests that dietary fiber can help improve blood sugar control and cholesterol levels in people with diabetes. However, this specific combination of xylose oligosaccharides and inulin hasn’t been thoroughly tested in pregnant women with gestational diabetes. This study will fill that gap. The focus on gut bacteria is a newer approach that builds on recent discoveries about how digestive bacteria influence metabolism and blood sugar control

Since this is a study protocol rather than completed research, we don’t yet know the actual results. The study is open-label, meaning participants and researchers know who’s getting the supplement, which could influence results. It’s happening at only one medical center, so results may not apply everywhere. The study only lasts 8 weeks, so we won’t know about long-term effects. The research focuses specifically on pregnant women with gestational diabetes, so findings may not apply to other groups. Additionally, the sample size hasn’t been specified in this protocol document

The Bottom Line

This is a study protocol, not completed research, so specific recommendations cannot be made yet. However, pregnant women with gestational diabetes should continue following their doctor’s nutrition advice and blood sugar monitoring. If this research shows positive results in the future, the XOS inulin supplement may become an option to discuss with your healthcare provider. Any supplement use during pregnancy should only happen under medical supervision. Current evidence suggests that regular nutrition education and lifestyle changes remain the first-line treatment for gestational diabetes

This research is most relevant to pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes who are looking for additional ways to manage their blood sugar. Healthcare providers caring for pregnant women with gestational diabetes should follow this research as it develops. Women planning pregnancy or those with a family history of diabetes may also find this interesting. However, this research should NOT be used to self-treat or avoid medical care. Anyone with gestational diabetes must work with their healthcare team

Since the study hasn’t been completed, results won’t be available immediately. The 8-week study period suggests that if the supplement works, changes in blood sugar control might be noticeable within 4-8 weeks. However, the full analysis of gut bacteria and long-term effects will take additional time after the study ends. Realistic expectations are that results will be published sometime in 2025 or later

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track fasting blood sugar readings each morning before eating and record them daily. Also track 2-hour post-meal blood sugar readings (blood sugar measured 2 hours after eating a meal) to see patterns in how meals affect blood sugar levels
  • If using an app to support gestational diabetes management, log daily fiber intake, supplement timing, and meals eaten. This creates a record to share with your healthcare provider and helps identify which foods and supplements seem to help most with blood sugar control
  • Use the app to track blood sugar trends over weeks, not just individual readings. Set reminders for taking supplements at the same time each day if prescribed. Monitor digestive symptoms (bloating, gas, changes in bowel habits) since fiber supplements can affect digestion. Share weekly summaries with your healthcare provider to adjust treatment if needed

This article describes a research study protocol that has not yet been completed. No clinical results are available. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Gestational diabetes is a serious medical condition that requires professional medical care. Pregnant women with gestational diabetes must work with their healthcare provider for proper diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. Do not start any supplements during pregnancy without explicit approval from your doctor or midwife. The safety and effectiveness of XOS inulin in pregnant women has not yet been established. Always consult with your healthcare team before making any changes to your pregnancy care or nutrition plan.