Researchers in Qatar studied whether a natural supplement called myo-inositol could help prevent gestational diabetes—a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. They gave some pregnant women the supplement and others a placebo (fake pill) and tracked their diet, exercise, and blood sugar levels. The women who took the supplement tended to exercise more, eat healthier foods, and gain less weight than those taking the placebo. However, both groups had similar rates of gestational diabetes. The findings suggest that combining the supplement with a healthy lifestyle and good diet might work better than the supplement alone.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a natural supplement called myo-inositol could reduce the risk of gestational diabetes (high blood sugar during pregnancy) and how diet and exercise affected its effectiveness.
  • Who participated: 64 pregnant women in Qatar (31 received the supplement, 33 received a placebo). All were tested for gestational diabetes between 24-28 weeks of pregnancy.
  • Key finding: Women taking myo-inositol exercised more, ate more fiber-rich foods like beans, and gained less weight than those taking placebo. However, the actual rate of gestational diabetes was similar in both groups, suggesting the supplement alone may not be enough.
  • What it means for you: If you’re pregnant or planning to be, this suggests that combining any supplement with regular exercise and a healthy diet rich in fiber and protein may be more helpful than relying on a supplement by itself. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements during pregnancy.

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is considered one of the strongest types of research. Pregnant women were randomly assigned to receive either myo-inositol (a natural compound found in some foods) or a placebo (fake pill) that looked identical. Neither the women nor the researchers knew who received which treatment until the study ended—this is called “double-blind” and helps prevent bias. The researchers collected information about what the women ate using 24-hour food recalls and questionnaires, measured their physical activity, and tested their blood sugar levels at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy using a standard glucose tolerance test. They also calculated diet quality scores to see if the groups ate differently overall.

Using a randomized, double-blind design is important because it helps prove whether the supplement actually works or if results are just due to chance or people’s expectations. By measuring diet and exercise carefully, the researchers could see whether lifestyle factors played a role in any benefits from the supplement. This approach gives us more reliable answers than simply observing what people do on their own.

This study has several strengths: it used a randomized design, was double-blind, and carefully measured diet and activity. However, the sample size was relatively small (64 women), which means results might not apply to all populations. The study was conducted in Qatar, so results may differ in other countries with different diets and healthcare systems. The researchers registered their study in advance, which is a good practice that increases credibility.

What the Results Show

The main finding was that gestational diabetes rates were similar between the myo-inositol group and the placebo group, meaning the supplement alone did not prevent gestational diabetes in this study. However, the women taking myo-inositol showed several healthy lifestyle differences: they walked more each week, gained less weight during pregnancy, and ate more fiber from foods like beans and tubers. The placebo group tended to eat more high-fat and high-sugar foods. These differences suggest that women taking the supplement may have been more motivated to live healthily, or the supplement may have encouraged healthier choices.

Both groups made dietary changes during pregnancy, including eating more protein and fiber while reducing salt intake. Interestingly, both groups also increased their consumption of simple sugars (like those in sweets and sugary drinks). The myo-inositol group’s higher physical activity and better diet quality (measured by the Healthy Eating Index) were notable, even though these lifestyle factors didn’t translate into lower gestational diabetes rates in this particular study.

Previous research has suggested that myo-inositol might help prevent gestational diabetes, but this study’s results are more cautious. The finding that lifestyle factors (diet and exercise) didn’t prevent gestational diabetes in either group, despite being healthier in the supplement group, suggests that gestational diabetes is complex and may not be entirely preventable through these factors alone. This aligns with recent research showing that genetics and other biological factors play important roles.

The study had several limitations worth noting: the sample size was relatively small (64 women), which means results might have been different with more participants. The study was conducted only in Qatar, so results may not apply to pregnant women in other countries with different genetics, diets, and healthcare systems. The researchers couldn’t determine whether the healthier lifestyle in the supplement group was caused by the supplement or by the type of women who chose to participate. Finally, the study didn’t follow women long-term after pregnancy to see if there were any lasting effects.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, myo-inositol supplementation alone does not appear to prevent gestational diabetes (low confidence for prevention). However, combining any supplement with regular physical activity and a diet rich in fiber and protein may be beneficial (moderate confidence). All pregnant women should discuss supplementation with their healthcare provider before starting anything new, as safety during pregnancy is paramount.

This research is most relevant to pregnant women, especially those at higher risk for gestational diabetes (such as those with family history, overweight status, or previous gestational diabetes). Healthcare providers caring for pregnant women should be aware that supplements alone may not be sufficient. Women planning pregnancy should also pay attention, as these findings suggest prevention starts with lifestyle habits. This research is less relevant to non-pregnant individuals.

Gestational diabetes typically develops in the second or third trimester of pregnancy (around 24-28 weeks), so any preventive measures should begin early in pregnancy or even before conception. If lifestyle changes are made, improvements in blood sugar control may be seen within weeks, though the full benefit may take several weeks to months to become apparent.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly walking minutes and daily fiber intake (grams from beans, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits). Set a goal of 150 minutes of walking per week and 25-30 grams of fiber daily. Log these metrics weekly to see patterns and stay motivated.
  • Use the app to set reminders for daily walks and to log meals that include high-fiber foods. Create a meal plan feature that suggests recipes with beans, tubers, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting high-fat and high-sugar foods. Include a water intake tracker to support overall healthy habits.
  • For pregnant women: track weight gain patterns weekly (comparing to recommended guidelines), monitor physical activity consistency, and maintain a food diary to identify dietary patterns. Share this data with healthcare providers at prenatal visits. For those planning pregnancy: establish baseline fitness and dietary habits 3-6 months before conception, then maintain these habits throughout pregnancy.

This research summary is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Gestational diabetes is a serious condition that requires medical supervision. Before taking any supplements during pregnancy, including myo-inositol, consult with your obstetrician or healthcare provider. This study shows that supplements alone may not prevent gestational diabetes, and lifestyle changes should be made under professional guidance. All pregnant women should be screened for gestational diabetes as recommended by their healthcare provider. If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, follow your doctor’s treatment plan, which may include diet changes, exercise, blood sugar monitoring, and medication if needed.