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Exercise in gestational diabetes. An optional therapeutic approach?
P Bung1, R Artal, N Khodiguian
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles.
Diabetes
|December 1, 1991
Summary
An exercise program helped pregnant women with gestational diabetes manage blood glucose levels, reducing the need for insulin. This safe intervention also showed no increase in maternal or neonatal complications.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Endocrinology
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication.
- Insulin therapy is often required to manage GDM and maintain normoglycemia.
- Non-pharmacological interventions are sought to improve glucose tolerance in pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of a structured exercise program in normalizing glucose tolerance in pregnant women with GDM.
- To assess the safety and impact of exercise on maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A randomized study involving 41 patients with GDM requiring insulin.
- Participants were assigned to either an exercise program or a control group.
- Adherence to the program and glucose levels were monitored.
Main Results:
- 17 out of 21 patients who completed the exercise program achieved normoglycemia and discontinued insulin.
- No significant differences in maternal or neonatal complications were observed between the exercise and control groups.
- The exercise intervention was well-tolerated.
Conclusions:
- A tailored exercise program can be a safe and effective strategy for managing gestational diabetes.
- This intervention can help pregnant women with GDM achieve better glucose control and potentially avoid insulin therapy.
- The findings support the development of exercise prescriptions for pregnant women with diabetes.