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.