Diabetes in pregnancy: algae help reduce glycemic peaks, Italian study

During pregnancy, every woman hopes to experience a peaceful journey. But for a growing number of future mothers in Italy, especially over 35, the onset of gestational diabetes can transform those months into a clinical challenge. There are many causes: obesity, insulin resistance, a diet rich in ultra-processed foods, advanced age and the use of assisted reproduction techniques.

According to Dr. Olga Eugenia Disoteo , endocrinologist and scientific director of the AME Diabetes Update congress, over 40% of women with gestational diabetes are over 35 years old, and more than 20% are overweight or obese at the time of diagnosis.

Risks for mother and child

Gestational diabetes is not a condition to be underestimated. It can increase both maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Newborns may experience hypoglycemia, respiratory distress, hypocalcemia, hyperbilirubinemia, polycythemia and hyperviscosity. Mothers, on the other hand, are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus earlier and of incurring cardiovascular problems.

A possible answer: nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals are proving to be a valid aid for controlling glycemia during pregnancy. A concrete example is represented by a nutraceutical composed of extracts of two marine algae ( Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus ) and Chromium picolinate. Its action occurs in the intestinal tract, where it inhibits the enzymes responsible for the digestion of sugars and slows the absorption of carbohydrates. In several clinical studies, these two algae have been shown to reduce postprandial glycemic peaks, keeping them within the normal range. During pregnancy, this effect is precious, because in many cases it allows to avoid or delay the administration of insulin, a therapy that often generates anxiety in the future mother and requires specific training in a very short time.

A safe option for mother and baby

These two algae are not absorbed at the intestinal level: this makes their use particularly interesting during pregnancy, because it minimizes the risk of systemic effects. The action is limited to the intestinal lumen, offering effective glycemic control without crossing the placental barrier. This is a crucial aspect for the safety of both the woman and the unborn child.

When it's not enough: insulin supplementation

In case of excessively high glycemic values ​​or particularly stringent therapeutic objectives, as often happens in pregnancy, this nutraceutical can be integrated with insulin therapy. Also in this case the nutraceutical allows to reduce the dose and the frequency of administrations, improving adherence to therapy and reducing the emotional burden.

Future prospects

According to Disoteo, this type of nutraceuticals represent a relevant therapeutic option, with excellent potential, which should be confirmed and strengthened through increasingly numerous clinical studies. In the meantime, their targeted use can offer important support in the management of gestational diabetes, helping to improve the quality of life of women and the health of their children.