Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/87235
Title: Probiotic supplementation : improving glycaemic control in gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Vella, Angele (2021)
Keywords: Diabetes in pregnancy
Blood glucose monitoring
Probiotics
Issue Date: 2021
Citation: Vella, A. (2021). Probiotic supplementation: improving glycaemic control in gestational diabetes mellitus (Bachelor's dissertation).
Abstract: Topic overview: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), is construed as any standard of glucose intolerance that is initially detected around the 24th week of pregnancy (International Diabetes Federation, 2019). GDM increases numerous pregnancy-related detriments to both maternal and foetal health, and is also associated with the future diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (International Diabetes Federation, 2019). Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are two factors among many that are considered to increase the onset of GDM (International Diabetes Federation, 2019). The aim of this review is to examine the possible role of probiotic supplementation in improving GDM. The research question: In women with gestational diabetes mellitus, does probiotic supplementation improve glycaemic control? PICO elements: The population (P) studied were pregnant women diagnosed with GDM. The intervention (I) was probiotic supplementation, the comparison (C) was the use of no probiotics or placebo and the outcome (O) observed was glycaemic control. Inclusion and Exclusion criteria: The included studies, with the preferred study designs, consiste of women diagnosed with GDM taking probiotics for improved glycaemic levels. Studies that dealt with other medical complications, such as T1DM, T2DM and obesity were excluded. Trials that focused on other outcomes and designs were also excluded. Search outcome: After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of nine key studies resulted from the search; four randomised-controlled trials (RCTs) , three meta-analyses and two systematic reviews. Method: Key elements from the PICO question, along with their alternative terms, were developed to search for literature through multiple databases. The main key words were combined using Boolean operators and other search tools. Due to a large amount of returned hits, limiters were used to narrow down the search. The PRISMA 2009 checklist was used as a guide for the identification of adequate literature. The quality of the articles were also assessed by adhering to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, the critical appraisal of the literature was carried out using The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool. Results: The randomised-controlled trials that were conducted found a statistically small amelioration in the proposed outcome. However, such findings were not persistent enough among the rest of the studies, which mostly failed to identify significant variances between groups. Conclusion: A decisive interpretation cannot be concluded. However, from the evidence presented, probiotic intervention extended statistical improvement in the fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, and is very safe for both the mother and offspring. This statement does not conceal the fact that more research is essential in this area to evidently answer the proposed PICO question. Implications and Recommendations: Educating the Maltese population on the risk factors associated with GDM, such as promoting a healthy diet and increasing physical activity is of utmost importance for prevention and to raise awareness. Frequent screening tools are also very essential in detecting metabolic disorders such as GDM at earliest onset. Such tools could be made available to health care professionals, along with the imperative training and guidelines. Finally, conducting more trials with larger samples and varied probiotic strains can help establish a definitive conclusion.
Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.)
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/87235
Appears in Collections:Dissertations - FacHSc - 2021
Dissertations - FacHScNur - 2021

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