For the 5% of women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, the few treatments available include dietary changes, exercise or insulin. Now research is showing that the mother's diet in early pregnancy may be a crucial factor in preventing gestational diabetes.
Research Leads to Possible Prevention of Gestational Diabetes
In a study published online on June 27, 2010, researchers have discovered that there is a link between gestational diabetes and the mother's levels of serotonin. Although experts have identified that the number of insulin producing islet cells in the mother's pancreas doubles during pregnancy, they have not been able to determine why until now.
Using both pregnant and non-pregnant mice, scientists used a scan to test all of the genes that were turned off or on in the islet cells. What they found was that the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase increased by 1,000 times in the pregnant mice.
What is the Link Between Serotonin, Tryptophan and Gestational Diabetes?
The enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase produces serotonin from the amino acid tryptophan. Since serotonin is produced by tryptophan, researchers now have more information than ever before on the protein type and amount needed during early pregnancy. When scientists in the study restricted the amount of tryptophan in the diet of pregnant mice, it lead to gestational diabetes.
In addition, this new research sheds more light on the production of islet cells needed to protect the mother against developing gestational diabetes in late pregnancy when her baby has even greater demands for protein.
Mother's Early Pregnancy Diet Should Include High Protein Foods
It is generally not recommended for mothers to increase the number of calories in their pregnancy diet in the first trimester. However, based on these research findings, getting enough tryptophan in the form of high protein foods in early pregnancy could help to prevent gestational diabetes.
Scientists do not yet have clear guidelines about how much tryptophan is needed in the mother's diet in early pregnancy. However, it is a good idea for mothers in early pregnancy to be getting plenty of protein foods every day in their pregnancy diet such as meats, eggs, dairy and fish.
Future Research on Prevention and Treatment of Gestational Diabetes
What does the future hold for prevention and treatment of gestational diabetes? Scientists believe that this research could lead to a greater understanding of other factors that affect the risk of gestational diabetes such as medications and genetics. According to scientists, the links between gestational diabetes and risks for depression and type-2 diabetes may also be in the future.
References:
Medical News Today, June 29,2010
National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, Gestational Diabetes
Brenda Lane - Brenda Lane is a published author, Lamaze certified childbirth educator, DONA certified birth doula and approved birth doula trainer.
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