Figure 4.

A time-sequence illustration of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) diagnosis, change in fetal growth, and the use of dietary modifications/intermittent fasting interventions. During the 26th gestational week, exaggerated fetal growth suggested GDM occurrence. The patient immediately refrained from the intake of refined carbohydrates. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed during the 27th week. The patient practiced light exercise in addition to low carbohydrate consumption. At the end of the 28th week the patient started recording her blood glucose level on a daily basis directly before each meal and 2 h after dining. Fluctuations in the 2 h post-prandial glucose level, in addition to the persistence of abnormal fetal growth, forced the patient to medicate her GDM through intermittent fasting starting from the 30th gestational week. During the fasting course, the patient retained exercise and the previous modification in diet quality.