Diabetes, Insulin, Gut, Enteric Supplementation Trial

Pregnancy is a critical window for metabolic health, and early changes in blood sugar regulation can increase the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which affects both maternal and infant health. At the same time, the maternal gut microbiome changes throughout pregnancy and may play a role in glucose metabolism and insulin resistance. Kefir, a fermented milk drink containing beneficial bacteria and yeasts, may be a simple dietary strategy to support metabolic health during pregnancy, but its role in preventing GDM has not been well studied. This study will test whether drinking kefir daily from mid-pregnancy until routine GDM screening can improve glucose and insulin regulation, reduce the incidence of GDM, and modulate the maternal gut microbiome and metabolites, among other outcomes. Pregnant individuals will be randomly assigned to either a kefir group or a control group receiving usual prenatal care. Researchers will collect blood glucose and insulin measures, dietary information, stool samples, and body composition data across pregnancy and postpartum to evaluate metabolic and microbiome-related changes. As one of the first studies to examine kefir as an early pregnancy intervention for GDM prevention, this study will help clarify whether a practical, food-based approach can improve maternal metabolic health. The findings may support future nutrition strategies aimed at reducing GDM risk and improving pregnancy outcomes.