Myo-inositol may prevent gestational diabetes onset in overweight women: a randomized, controlled trial

The influence of different inositol stereoisomers supplementation in pregnancy on maternal gestational diabetes mellitus and fetal outcomes in high-risk patients: a randomized controlled trial

Celentano C et al., 2018 · J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med ·

To identify the effects of different dietary inositol stereoisomers on insulin resistance and the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in women at high risk for this disorder.Design: A preliminary, prospective, randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial. Nonobese singleton pregnant women with an elevated fasting glucose in the first or early second trimester were studied throughout pregnancy. Supplementation with myo-inositol, d-chiro-inositol, combined myoand d-chiro-inositol or placebo.Main Development of GDM on a 75 grams oral glucose tolerance test at 24-28 weeks' gestation. Secondary outcome measures were increase in BMI, need for maternal insulin therapy, macrosomia, polyhydramnios, neonatal birthweight and hypoglycemia. The group of women allocated to receive myo-inositol alone had a lower incidence of abnormal oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Nine women in the control group (C), one of the myo-inositol (MI), five in d-chiro-inositol (DCI), three in the myo-inositol/D-chiro-inositol group (MI/DCI) required insulin (p = .134). Basal, 1-hour, and 2 hours glycemic controls were significantly lower in exposed groups (p < .001, .011, and .037, respectively). The relative risk reduction related to primary outcome was 0.083, 0.559, and 0.621 for MI, DCI, and MI/DCI groups. This study compared the different inositol stereoisomers in pregnancy to prevent GDM. Noninferiority analysis demonstrated the largest benefit in the myo-inositol group. The relevance of our findings is mainly related to the possibility of an effective approach in GDM. Our study confirmed the efficacy of inositol supplementation in pregnant women at risk for GDM.

Effect of Myo-Inositol Supplementation in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-Scoping Review

Habryka J et al., 2026 · Nutrients

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a widespread and complex endocrine disorder affecting women of childbearing potential, characterized by reproductive dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, and metabolic disorders, including insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a key pathogenetic factor contributing to ovarian dysfunction and reduced fertility. Myo-inositol (MI), a ubiquitous polyol, has earned a reputation as a promising dietary supplement due to its vital role in insulin signaling pathways. This scoping review aimed to map the available scientific literature on the effects of MI supplementation in women with PCOS, with particular emphasis on fertility and ovarian function, and to identify gaps in the current evidence base. This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the methodology developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and presented in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. A literature search was conducted against six electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCO (MEDLINE Complete), Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. Searches were conducted between 10 January and 20 February 2026. Eligibility sources included original articles (observational and randomized controlled trials), meta-analyses, systematic and narrative reviews, published in English with full text available, focusing on adult women with PCOS. Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers using the Population-Concept-Context (PCC) framework. In accordance with the scope review methodology, no formal critical appraisal of study quality and no quantitative synthesis were performed. This is consistent with JBI methodology, which does not require critical appraisal for scoping reviews unless explicitly justified. Of the 77 records initially identified, 13 studies were included in the review, and no duplicates were found. These potential benefits should be interpreted cautiously, as the available evidence is heterogeneous and varies across study designs. Potential benefits were also reported for hormonal and metabolic parameters, including reductions in hyperandrogenism and the improvement of insulin sensitivity. Some studies suggest benefits for oocyte and embryo quality, but results remain inconsistent. MI supplementation may support PCOS management, particularly in fertility-related outcomes. Its ability to improve ovulation, increase pregnancy rates, optimize ART outcomes, and mitigate the risk of OHSS highlights its clinical utility. However, the evidence remains heterogeneous, and some outcomes, particularly oocyte and embryo quality, remain inconclusive.

Myo-inositol for insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome and gestational diabetes

DiNicolantonio JJ et al., 2022 · Open heart

Polycystic ovary syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A state-of-the-art review

Livadas S et al., 2022 · World journal of diabetes

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often coexists with a wide spectrum of dysglycemic conditions, ranging from impaired glucose tolerance to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), which occur to a greater extent compared to healthy body mass index-matched women. This concurrence of disorders is mainly attributed to common pathogenetic pathways linking the two entities, such as insulin resistance. However, due to methodological flaws in the available studies and the multifaceted nature of the syndrome, there has been substantial controversy as to the exact association between T2D and PCOS which has not yet been elucidated. The aim of this review is to present the best available evidence regarding the epidemiology of dysglycemia in PCOS, the unique pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the progression of dysglycemia, the most appropriate methods for assessing glycemic status and the risk factors for T2D development in this population, as well as T2D risk after transition to menopause. Proposals for application of a holistic approach to enable optimal management of T2D risk in PCOS are also provided. Specifically, adoption of a healthy lifestyle with adherence to improved dietary patterns, such the Mediterranean diet, avoidance of consumption of endocrine-disrupting foods and beverages, regular exercise, and the effect of certain medications, such as metformin and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, are discussed. Furthermore, the maintenance of a healthy weight is highlighted as a key factor in achievement of a significant reduction of T2D risk in women with PCOS.