Can physical activity reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes following gestational diabetes?

This study examined whether physical activity can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in women with gestational diabetes. The authors concluded that physical activity may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Women with gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D). There are many risks which increase the risk of progression from gestational diabetes to T2D. Identifying these risk factors is important to prevent progression to T2D. For example, a healthy diet following gestational diabetes decreased the risk of T2D. Other factors, such as sedentary behaviors (lack of physical activity) like TV watching, may increase the risk of progression to T2D.  

This study aimed to determine whether greater physical activity is associated with a lower risk of T2D in women with gestational diabetes.                       

This study involved 4554 women with gestational diabetes. Sedentary behavior and physical activity was assessed over 16 years. 635 participants developed T2D during the study period.

Greater physical activity was associated with a lower risk of developing T2D. 100 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week was associated with a 9% reduction in the risk of T2D. Women who increased their physical activity to 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week saw a 47% lower risk of T2D compared to women who did not increase activity.

A greater amount of time spent watching TV was associated with a higher risk of developing T2D. 6 to 10 hours of TV each week was associated with a 28% higher risk of T2D. 11 to 20 hours of TV each week was associated with a 41% higher risk of T2D. More than 20 hours of TV each week was associated with a 77% higher risk of T2D.

This study concluded that physical activity may reduce the risk T2D in women with gestational diabetes.

The diagnosis of T2D was confirmed by patient self-reporting. In addition, the majority of patients included were white American women. Therefore, these findings may not apply to individuals of other ethnicities.

Consult your physician regarding the importance of physical activity in reducing the risk of T2D.