1. To compare the effects of metformin, insulin, and their combination with multistrain probiotics on glycemic control and insulin resistance in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), assessed by FPG, HbA1c, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR. 2. To compare the effects of metformin, insulin, and their combination with multistrain probiotics on inflammatory biomarkers in women with GDM. 3. To determine the effect of multistrain probiotic supplementation alongside standard therapy on maternal and neonatal outcomes, including gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, birth weight, Apgar score, and NICU admission.
Pregnant women (18-45 years of age).
Diagnosed with GDM between 18-26 weeks of gestation.
Singleton pregnancy. (Multiple gestations carry inherently higher risks like preterm birth, growth restriction and neonatal morbidity, Inclusion may introduce confounding thus restricting singleton pregnancies ensures population homogeneity).
Pre-existing diabetes mellitus.
Pregnancy induced hypertension.
Chronic gastrointestinal, hepatic, or renal disease.
Use of antibiotics or probiotics within the previous 4 weeks.
Parallel
GRP 1 Tab metformin
Other interventionTab metformin 500 mg TDS for 12 weeks
GRP 2 Inj insulin
Other interventionInj insulin s/c BD for 12 weeks
GRP 3 Tab metformin + HI flora sachet
Other interventionTab metformin 500 mg TDS + HI flora sachet OD for 12 weeks
GRP 4 Inj insulin + HI flora sachet
Other interventionInj insulin s/c BD + HI flora sachet OD for 12 weeks
Fasting blood glucose levels
A fasting blood sugar level measures the amount of glucose in blood after patient has not eaten for at least 8 hours. It is primarily used to screen for or monitor prediabetes and diabetes. Fasting glucose is categorized as follows: Normal: Less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L), Prediabetes: 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L), Diabetes: 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests.
Fasting Serum Insulin Levels
A serum fasting insulin test measures the amount of insulin in patient's blood after an overnight fast. It is used to evaluate pancreatic function, investigate hypoglycemia, and identify early-stage insulin resistance.Standard Lab Range: 2 to 25uIU/mL. Interpretation: High Levels (Hyperinsulinemia): Usually indicate insulin resistance, where cells do not respond properly to insulin, forcing the pancreas to produce excess amounts. It can precede prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes by years, even when blood sugar remains normal. Other causes include obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and Cushing's syndrome.Low Levels: Suggest impaired or destroyed insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. Common causes include Type 1 diabetes, chronic pancreatitis, or advanced Type 2 diabetes where the pancreas is "burned out"
Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance
It is a widely used medical tool that estimates how effectively your body regulates blood sugar. It acts as an indirect, highly accessible indicator of insulin resistance, helping assess the risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Interpretation: Optimal / Sensitive: Under 1.0. Your body is highly sensitive to insulin and manages glucose well.Early Insulin Resistance: 1.0 to 2.9 (or greater than 1.9, depending on the diagnostic criteria). Your body is starting to require more insulin to keep blood sugar stable.Significant Insulin Resistance: Above 2.9 (or as low as 2.5 for some populations, particularly in Asian demographics)
Glycated Hemoglobin
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It checks how much sugar has bonded to your hemoglobin, and is primarily used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes, Below 5.7%: Normal / Healthy 5.7% to 6.4%: Prediabetes 6.5% or higher: Diabetes (diagnosed on two separate tests)
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein
it is a specialized blood test that measures very low levels of C-Reactive Protein to detect chronic, low-grade inflammation in the body. Results generally fall into one of three cardiovascular risk categories:Low Risk: Less than 1.0 mg/L Moderate Risk: 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L High Risk: Greater than 3.0 mg/
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte ratio
The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a simple, readily available biomarker calculated by dividing your absolute neutrophil count by your absolute lymphocyte count from a routine Complete Blood Count (CBC). It serves as a strong indicator of systemic inflammation.Average Normal NLR: Between (0.78) and (3.53) (the population average typically sits around (1.65)).Elderly Adults (Over 75): Normal ranges can extend up to (8.80) due to natural immunosenescence (aging of the immune system). Elevated NLR: Ratios above the normal range usually indicate physiological stress, systemic inflammation, infection, or tissue damage. Markedly elevated scores (e.g.,(\>9.0)) are often seen in severe acute conditions like sepsis
Adiponectin
Adiponectin is a protein hormone and adipokine produced primarily by fat cells (adipose tissue) that regulates glucose levels, fatty acid breakdown, and inflammation. It plays a crucial role in enhancing insulin sensitivity and protecting the body against metabolic diseases like Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
fetal Abdominal Circumference
Fetal Abdominal Circumference (AC) is a routine ultrasound measurement used to monitor fetal growth, estimate fetal weight, and check for growth abnormalities. It is one of the most reliable indicators of a baby's weight and overall physical development during pregnancy. Typical Normal Ranges for the AC during the second and third trimesters include:20 Weeks: \~14.5 cm to 16.5 cm 28 Weeks: \~22.5 cm to 25.5 cm 34 Weeks: \~28.0 cm to 31.0 cm 36 Weeks: \~31.0 cm to 34.0 cm
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