Effectiveness of chewing gum on blood glucose level among pregnant women with gestational diabetes: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Chewing gum could play a role in managing hyperglycemia in individuals with diabetes. The study evaluated the effects of chewing gum on blood sugar management in women diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). This open-label, single-center randomized controlled clinical trial enrolled 100 women recently diagnosed with GDM. Participants received either standard care or an additional chewing gum intervention. Self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG) levels were recorded over a period of five days. The gum-chewing group consistently exhibited notably lower mean postprandial blood glucose (PPG) and fasting blood glucose levels compared to the control group. The estimated mean differences (intervention vs. control group) were: -7.86 mg/dl, p = 0.053 (fasting blood glucose); -13.2 mg/dl, p = 0.022 (breakfast); -8.92 mg/dl, p = 0.014 (lunch); -12.96 mg/dl, p = 0.006 (dinner). To summarize, notable variations in blood glucose levels were identified between the groups, indicating that chewing gum serves as an effective alternative approach to reducing high blood sugar in women with GDM.