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Regular exercise during pregnancy to prevent gestational diabetes: a randomized controlled trial.
Signe N Stafne1, Kjell Å Salvesen, Pål R Romundstad
1Department of Public Health and General Practice, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, PO Box 8905, 7491 Trondheim, Norway. signe.n.stafne@ntnu.no
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|December 21, 2011
Summary
Regular exercise during pregnancy did not prevent gestational diabetes or improve insulin resistance in healthy women. The study found no significant differences between the exercise group and the control group.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Exercise Physiology
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a growing concern during pregnancy.
- Insulin resistance is a key factor in the development of GDM.
- Lifestyle interventions, including exercise, are explored for GDM prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a standard exercise program in preventing gestational diabetes.
- To determine if exercise during pregnancy can improve insulin resistance.
Main Methods:
- 855 pregnant women (18-22 weeks gestation) were randomized into an exercise group or a control group.
- The exercise group followed a 12-week moderate-to-high intensity program.
- Primary outcomes included GDM diagnosis and insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment).
Main Results:
- No significant difference in GDM prevalence between groups (7% intervention vs. 6% control).
- No significant difference in insulin resistance between groups after adjusting for baseline values.
- Adherence to the exercise protocol was 55%; no serious adverse events were reported.
Conclusions:
- A 12-week standard exercise program in the second half of pregnancy did not prevent GDM in healthy women.
- The exercise intervention did not improve insulin resistance in this population.
- Results suggest current exercise recommendations may not be sufficient for GDM prevention in healthy pregnancies.
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