Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects up to 10% of pregnancies worldwide and is characterised by elevated blood glucose levels that develop during pregnancy. As interest in natural and complementary approaches to blood sugar management grows, one item frequently popping up in conversations and kitchen cabinets is apple cider vinegar (ACV). But can this pantry staple play a meaningful role in managing GDM? Let’s dive into what the science actually says.

What We Know from Type 2 Diabetes Research

Much of the interest in apple cider vinegar’s effects on GDM stems from studies in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). ACV has shown modest benefits in reducing fasting blood glucose, improving insulin sensitivity, and lowering HbA1c in individuals with T2DM.

A recent 2025 meta-analysis found that daily apple cider vinegar consumption significantly reduced fasting blood glucose and HbA1c in people with T2DM, with more notable effects seen at doses above 10 mL/day. While promising, GDM is a distinct metabolic condition meaning findings from T2DM research can’t be directly translated to pregnant populations.

Apple cider vinegar and Gestational Diabetes: What Does the Research Say?

When it comes to GDM, research is sparse. Here’s what’s currently available:

• A 2016 review article discussed vinegar’s potential glucose-lowering effects and theorised it might benefit women with GDM. However, the review emphasised the lack of direct studies on apple cider vinegar in pregnant populations and called for more research before making clinical recommendations.
  (Source: MedCrave Online)

• A randomized crossover trial explored whether taking apple cider vinegar at bedtime for two weeks could affect glucose levels in women with GDM. While the trial’s design was promising, full results have not been widely published or peer-reviewed, leaving questions unanswered.
  (Source: Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology)

In summary, while there’s biological plausibility and some indirect evidence from non-pregnant populations, there is currently no robust clinical evidence to support the use of apple cider vinegar as a safe and effective treatment for gestational diabetes.

Important Considerations

Even though apple cider vinegar is a natural product, it’s not without risks:

• Acidity: ACV is highly acidic and may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or erosion of tooth enamel, especially if consumed undiluted.
• Pregnancy safety: The safety of regular ACV use during pregnancy hasn’t been thoroughly studied.

The Bottom Line

Right now, apple cider vinegar cannot be recommended as part of a gestational diabetes treatment plan. It may have some potential in the context of T2DM, but for pregnant individuals, the lack of high-quality, pregnancy-specific research makes it unsuitable as a standalone or complementary intervention.

As always, the best approach to managing GDM is a combination of individualised dietary interventions, physical activity, and, if needed, medical treatment guided by a qualified healthcare provider or diabetes specialist.