Posted 03 June 2015 - 11:43
Posted 03 June 2015 - 11:43
News
Exercise in pregnancy cuts diabetes risk
Moderate exercise 'should not be feared' and can reduce risk of gestational diabetes by 36%
Women who take moderate exercise during pregnancy can cut their risk of developing gestational diabetes and limit their weight gain.
A systematic review of 13 previous research trials involving 2,873 women showed that the risk of developing gestational diabetes was reduced by 36% for women who exercised throughout pregnancy. The most significant effect was seen in women who worked on their strength, toning or flexibility and did aerobic exercises.
It also helped avoid excessive weight gain – those who exercised were on average a kilogram lighter, even if they only began an exercise programme in the second trimester.
Gestational diabetes is one of the most common complications of pregnancy, and can lead to serious disorders such as pre-eclampsia, hypertension and preterm birth. It can also have long-term effects, including impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes. Children of mothers with gestational diabetes are more likely to become overweight and have a higher risk of developing diabetes.
Lead researcher Gema Sanabria-Martinez, head of studies for midwifery at Virgen de la Luz Hospital in Cuenca, Spain, said: ‘Exercise is not something to be feared during pregnancy – the moderate levels of exercise used in these studies have significantly positive effects on health and were found to be safe for both mother and baby.’