The efficacy of myo-inositol supplementation to prevent gestational diabetes onset: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION

The efficacy of myo-inositol supplementation to prevent gestational diabetes onset remains controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of myo-inositol supplementation on the incidence of gestational diabetes.

METHODS

We search PubMed, Embase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library databases through November 2017 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of myo-inositol supplementation on gestational diabetes onset. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model.

RESULTS

Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are included in the meta-analysis. Compared with control group in pregnant women, myo-inositol supplementation is associated with significantly reduced incidence of gestational diabetes (risk ratio (RR) = 0.43; 95%CI = 0.21-0.89; p = .02), and preterm delivery (RR = 0.36; 95%CI = 0.17-0.73; p = .005), but has no substantial impact on 2-h glucose oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (mean difference (MD) = -6.90; 95%CI = -15.07 to 1.27; p = .10), gestational age at birth (MD = 0.74; 95%CI = -1.06 to 2.54; p = .42), birth weight (MD = -5.50; 95%CI = -116.99 to 105.99; p = .92), and macrosomia (RR = 0.65; 95%CI = 0.20-2.11; p = .47).

CONCLUSIONS

Myo-inositol supplementation has some ability to reduce the incidence of gestational diabetes and preterm delivery in pregnant women.