[Role of spices in the management of diabetes and gestational diabetes].

According to recent meta-analyses of clinical studies, certain plants and spices improve glycemic control. This article presents several spices with clinically significant hypoglycemic effects that have been studied outside of pregnancy: ginger, psyllium, black cumin, nettle, cinnamon, fenugreek, aloe vera, and bitter melon. Regarding pregnancy, a pilot study conducted at the CHUV evaluated the feasibility of integrating some of these spices in women with gestational diabetes. Adherence was generally satisfactory, despite obstacles related to taste and practicality. When used in conjunction with conventional treatments, these spices could represent an additional dietary resource for diabetes management, provided that their use during pregnancy is supported by larger-scale clinical studies and implemented under appropriate clinical supervision.