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REVIEW PAPER
Intestinal and vaginal microbiota as determinants of maternal and neonatal health in gestational diabetes mellitus – a narrative review
1
Gynaecology, Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
2
Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Clinical Hospital No. 4, Lublin, Poland
3
Third Department of Gynaecology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
4
First Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
Corresponding author
Kamila Gorczyca
Gynecology, Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, Relaksowa, 15/20, 20-819, Lublin, Poland
Gynecology, Chair and Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, Medical University of Lublin, Relaksowa, 15/20, 20-819, Lublin, Poland
KEYWORDS
probioticsgestational diabetes mellitusgut microbiotavaginal microbiotapregnancy complicationsmaternal and neonatal health
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction and objective:
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common metabolic complication of pregnancy, associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes and increased long-term metabolic risk. Recent studies indicate that intestinal and vaginal microbiota play an important role in the pathogenesis and clinical course of GDM. The aim of the review is to summarize current evidence on alterations in maternal gut and vaginal microbiota in GDM and their clinical relevance.
Review methods:
A narrative review was conducted of observational, experimental, and meta-analytic studies indexed in PubMed and Scopus, focusing on microbiota composition, metabolic parameters, and perinatal outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus.
Brief description of the state of knowledge:
GDM is associated with reduced gut microbial diversity, depletion of short-chain fatty acid–producing bacteria, and increased abundance of Gram-negative species, contributing to inflammation and impaired glucose metabolism. Vaginal dysbiosis, characterized by reduced Lactobacillus dominance, is linked to bacterial vaginosis, preterm birth, and intrauterine infections. Both gut and vaginal microbiota alterations may influence neonatal microbial colonization and metabolic programming.
Summary:
The available evidence indicates that gut and vaginal microbiota are key determinants of metabolic and reproductive health in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Interventions based on probiotics, prebiotics, and lifestyle modification show potential in restoring microbial balance and improving glycaemic control, although further large-scale clinical studies are warranted. Assessment and targeted modulation of maternal microbiota may represent promising strategies for the prevention of GDM-related complications and for the development of personalized approaches in maternal care.
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common metabolic complication of pregnancy, associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes and increased long-term metabolic risk. Recent studies indicate that intestinal and vaginal microbiota play an important role in the pathogenesis and clinical course of GDM. The aim of the review is to summarize current evidence on alterations in maternal gut and vaginal microbiota in GDM and their clinical relevance.
Review methods:
A narrative review was conducted of observational, experimental, and meta-analytic studies indexed in PubMed and Scopus, focusing on microbiota composition, metabolic parameters, and perinatal outcomes in gestational diabetes mellitus.
Brief description of the state of knowledge:
GDM is associated with reduced gut microbial diversity, depletion of short-chain fatty acid–producing bacteria, and increased abundance of Gram-negative species, contributing to inflammation and impaired glucose metabolism. Vaginal dysbiosis, characterized by reduced Lactobacillus dominance, is linked to bacterial vaginosis, preterm birth, and intrauterine infections. Both gut and vaginal microbiota alterations may influence neonatal microbial colonization and metabolic programming.
Summary:
The available evidence indicates that gut and vaginal microbiota are key determinants of metabolic and reproductive health in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Interventions based on probiotics, prebiotics, and lifestyle modification show potential in restoring microbial balance and improving glycaemic control, although further large-scale clinical studies are warranted. Assessment and targeted modulation of maternal microbiota may represent promising strategies for the prevention of GDM-related complications and for the development of personalized approaches in maternal care.
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| eISSN: | 1898-2263 |
| ISSN: | 1232-1966 |
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