Can physical activity improve blood glucose control in gestational diabetes?

This study assessed whether physical activity during pregnancy could help control blood sugar levels in women diagnosed with pregnancy-related diabetes. The authors concluded that taking part in both moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity helped keep blood sugar levels within recommended ranges.

Gestational diabetes (GD) is a subtype of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. In GD, women become resistant to insulin, the hormone needed to break down the sugar (glucose) taken in from food. Physical activity and exercise is recommended during pregnancy. However, the effect of physical activity in women with GD is still under investigation. 

This study assessed whether engaging in physical activity would improve blood sugar control in GD patients. Shortly after diagnosis, 971 GD patients completed a Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire. They reported the type, frequency, duration, and intensity of physical activity (including housework) engaged in over the three months prior to filling out the questionnaire. The patients also reported their blood sugar levels continuously for six weeks after the completion of the questionnaire.

Patients who engaged in the highest amount of moderate-intensity activity were 82% more likely to optimally control their blood sugar levels (when compared to patients engaging in the lowest amount of moderate-intensity activity). Those who took part in successively higher amounts of moderate-intensity activity had successively decreasing blood sugar levels. Those who took part in vigorous-intensity activity also decreased their blood sugar levels after breakfast and lunch.

This study concluded that women with GD taking part in physical activity were more likely to optimally control their blood sugar levels, compared to those who did not.

A large proportion of women in this study were Asian. Furthermore, all women were between 27 and 37 years of age. These results therefore still need to be confirmed in women of all ages, races and backgrounds. Patients may have also misreported their physical activity and their blood sugar levels. If so, some results will potentially be less accurate than reported.

Ask your doctor about the best way to control your blood sugar levels, and what type and intensity of exercise is best for you.