During pregnancy, gestational diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels rise above the normal range due to insufficient insulin production by the body, which is responsible for regulating blood sugar levels [1]. Approximately 700,000 women in England and Wales deliver babies annually, with an estimated 5% of them experiencing gestational diabetes. This condition can lead to significant complications and lasting health problems for both the mother and the baby. Although gestational diabetes typically resolves after childbirth, returning the blood sugar levels to pre-pregnancy norms, women who develop this condition during pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future, a condition that is challenging to reverse.
Based on scientific research, a successful approach to treating or preventing gestational diabetes is to participate in consistent physical activity.
The current evidence of the body's responses to a single bout of exercise:
Evidence suggests that following a single exercise session, the body's insulin sensitivity in the muscles can improve for approximately 2-72 hours. This indicates that exercise has the potential to enhance the body's responsiveness to insulin. Consequently, the heightened insulin sensitivity leads to better glucose uptake by cells, resulting in reduced blood glucose levels.
The effects of regular physical activity on gestational diabetes:
Evidence suggests that the body can enhance its glucose management after just a single exercise session. Research indicates that maintaining regular physical activity before and during the initial phases of pregnancy can decrease the likelihood of gestational diabetes by approximately 51% and 48%, respectively. However, physical activity may become more challenging during the later stages of pregnancy due to issues like extreme fatigue or back pain. Moreover, staying active in the third trimester is not as crucial as in the first and second trimesters since the body has already adjusted to the physiological changes associated with pregnancy early on.
Participating in a low-impact workout for 20-45 minutes, at least three times per week, can improve the body's regulation of glucose and insulin levels in the bloodstream, while also benefiting cardiovascular fitness [4].
Remember that nutrition is crucial!
While exercise is known for its numerous benefits in managing GDM, it is crucial for pregnant women to understand the significance of maintaining proper nutritional and water intake. Specifically, being mindful of the altered nutritional requirements when engaging in an exercise program is essential. Adequate nutritional intake is equally important for women with gestational diabetes to uphold stable blood glucose levels and lower the likelihood of ketonaemia (elevated ketone levels in the blood).
It is crucial for pregnant women to stay well-hydrated by consuming sufficient water to replenish fluids lost during physical activity. Dehydration may negatively impact blood sugar levels, and failing to maintain hydration can exacerbate this issue for individuals with gestational diabetes, potentially causing further dehydration and continued elevation of blood glucose levels.
Hence, engaging in regular physical activity during pregnancy is a beneficial method for controlling gestational diabetes. It is crucial for pregnant women to be mindful of the adjustments needed in their nutritional and hydration requirements while adhering to an exercise routine.
Special factors to take into account when exercising during pregnancy:
Pregnant women interested in starting an exercise routine should be encouraged to consult with a professional to ensure that they engage in appropriate workouts tailored to their individual capabilities and stage of pregnancy, prioritizing safety for both themselves and their baby. In case a pregnant woman encounters symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, chest pain, dizziness, muscle weakness, or uterine contractions during exercise, it is crucial for her to cease activity immediately and seek guidance from an expert. Given the bodily transformations that occur during pregnancy, it is essential to regularly monitor exercise programs and make necessary adjustments if the mother experiences any discomfort or adverse reactions.
In conclusion:
Participating in consistent low to moderate-intensity physical activity for 3 days per week, with each session lasting 20-45 minutes, can help reduce the chances of gestational diabetes and serve as a useful approach for handling the condition. Starting this routine before and during early pregnancy yields better results.
References:
NHS. (2016). Gestational diabetes. Retrieved 22 February 2019, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gestational-diabetes/
Crowther, C. A., Hiller, J. E., Moss, J. R., McPhee, A. J., Jeffries, W. S., & Robinson, J. S. (2005). Effect of treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus on pregnancy outcomes. New England Journal of Medicine, 352(24), 2477-2486.
Dempsey, J. C., Butler, C. L., Sorensen, T. K., Lee, I. M., Thompson, M. L., & Miller, R. S. et al. (2004). A case-control study of maternal recreational physical activity and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Research & Clinical Practice, 66(2), 203-215.
Ceysens, G., Rouiller, D., & Boulvain, M. (2006). Exercise for diabetic pregnant women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (3).
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