03/15/2026
Pregnancy is a naturally insulin resistant state. The problem is when we come into pregnancy with IR, have genetics that make it “sticking” more likely, or compound other factors that drive that metabolic process. This round up talks about specific nutrients to support IR, but the core of treatment is always nutrition, movement (esp muscle building), and often we have to intervene more strategically depending on fasting insulin levels.
Since the pandemic, I’ve seen a LOT more insulin resistance which speaks to its connection to inflammation including post serious viral infection. It also speaks to how stress can be a key driver.
Symptoms include:
- Weight gain around the belly in particular often with no change in nutrition or movement
- Feeling tired or yucky after eating
- Constant hunger, or feeling hungry shortly after eating
- sometimes folks will also feel nauseous, or other signs of low blood sugar
- skin tags or other discolourations (dark patches)
- intense sugar cravings
While insulin resistance is a driver of GDM, so is a decrease in overall insulin production.
For improving postprandial insulin secretion, the most relevant nutrients are Vitamin D, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, and Selenium (I added a bonus nutrient, because Vitamin D, Calcium, and Magnesium are intertwined)
Vitamin D is the micronutrient most consistently associated with a higher risk of GDM. It affects β‑cell insulin secretion via calcium channels (with the help of magnesium). It also helps with insulin sensitivity and inflammation.
RCTs and meta-analysis show vitamin D supplementation significantly lowers fasting glucose and HOMA-IR in women diagnosed with GDM.
Studies also show that Magnesium ranks just behind vitamin D in overall glycemic control. Aiding in insulin secretion as it is a cofactor for several enzymes needed for insulin production, and working as a "second messenger" for insulin.
Next up is Calcium. Calcium is ESSENTIAL for insulin production. Insulin exocytosis from β‑cells is a calcium-dependent process.
Zinc not only helps with insulin storage, but also in antioxidant defenses through SOD1. However, meta-data doesn't show lower zinc status consistently in those with GDM.
Selenium is an antioxidant mineral that helps antioxidants such as glutathione and thioredoxin (ever heard of this one).
As with all nutrient therapy, these supplements do work...but only when levels are low.
In GDM specifically, co-supplementation with Vitamin D, Calcium, magnesium, and zinc improved fasting glucose, serum insulin, HOMA-IR, and β‑cell function. While also reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12884-019-2258-y
Study link in bio and below
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2020/6062478
