Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Author Spotlight: Enhancing the Offspring Health in Rats with Maternal Exercise During Pregnancy
Published on: April 5, 2024
Exercise Is Associated with a Reduction in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Yaiza Cordero1, Michelle F Mottola, Juana Vargas
11Physical Activity and Sport Science Faculty, Catholic University of Murcia (UCAM), Murcia, SPAIN; 2R. Samuel McLaughlin Foundation Exercise and Pregnancy Lab, School of Kinesiology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, CANADA; 3Gynecology and Obstetric Department of Puerta de Hierro University Hospital, Madrid, SPAIN; 4Gynecology and Obstetric Department of Torrelodones University Hospital, Madrid, SPAIN; and 5Physical Activity and Sport Science Faculty (INEF), Technical University of Madrid, Madrid, SPAIN.
A maternal exercise program significantly reduced the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) by preserving glucose tolerance. This intervention offers a promising strategy for improving pregnancy health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Preventive Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) poses risks to maternal and fetal health.
- Effective preventive strategies for GDM are crucial for improving pregnancy outcomes.
- Maternal exercise is a potential non-pharmacological intervention for GDM prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a structured maternal exercise program in preventing GDM.
- To assess the impact of combined land and aquatic exercise on glucose metabolism during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 342 pregnant women in Spain.
- Intervention group: 3 times/week of 60 min land and 50 min aquatic exercise.
- Control group: received standard prenatal care.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in GDM prevalence in the exercise group (1%) compared to the control group (8.8%).
- The exercise program demonstrated a significant risk reduction for GDM (odds ratio = 0.103).
Conclusions:
- A maternal exercise program effectively reduces GDM prevalence.
- Exercise during pregnancy helps preserve glucose tolerance, mitigating GDM risk.
More Related Videos
06:13Author Spotlight: Exploring the Impact of Reduced Resistance Exercise Volume on Metabolic Health
Published on: December 1, 2023
12:59Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People
Published on: July 5, 2017
Related Concept Videos
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: α-Glucosidase Inhibitors
Acarbose and miglitol are...
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...