Betaine: A Promising Micronutrient in Diet Intervention for Ameliorating Maternal Blood Biochemical Alterations in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) exact pathophysiology remain elusive to date, nevertheless most of the studies are compatible with this fact that triggered β-cells dysfunction is the main cause of hyperglycemia in a background of a physiologically increased insulin resistance (IR). We examined betaine effects as a micronutrient on GDM by evaluation of insulin, homocysteine, HbA1c % concentrations and lipids profile in a animal model of rats. 32 pregnant rats divided into four equal groups: Control (C), Betaine (Bet. 1.5% w/w of diet), Gestational diabetes (GD) and gestational diabetes treated with betaine (GD + Bet.). GDM established by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg BW). Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and body weight (BW) screened during pregnancy. We also measured insulin, total homocysteine (tHcy), HbA1c%, glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, Low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high density lipoprotein concentrations, postpartum. Betaine supplementation decreased FBS and recovered BW loss in GD + Bet. compared to GD group during pregnancy. Also, it increased insulin levels, restored tHcy normal concentration, improved insulin resistance (IR) and lipids profile characterized by decreased HbA1c%, FBS, TC, LDL concentrations and increased HDL level. Diet interventions suggested to be a good approach for alleviating maternal metabolic alterations in GDM. Current paper highlighted betaine beneficial effects on GDM via increasing insulin level, improving IR and regulation of Methionine-Homocysteine cycle. Thereby, we created a paradigm for future studies of betaine role as a micronutrient in GDM prevention and management.