Exercise in Pregnant Women With Gestational Diabetes

Evaluating the Effects of Low-resistance and Aerobic Exercise on Glucose and Lipids in Pregnant Women With Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes (GDM) impacts 1 in 10 pregnancies; hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia are common features of the condition. Women are recommended to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Exercise both during and out of pregnancy has been shown to be an effective non-pharmacologic tool to reduce glucose and lipid profiles. The goals and purpose of this pilot study is to 1) determine the influence of exercise and the timing of exercise surrounding a meal on glucose and lipid metabolism in pregnant women with GDM and 2) determine the feasibility of low-resistance and aerobic activity and measuring exercise metrics during pregnancy. The overarching objective of this study is to determine the effects of low-resistance and aerobic exercise on glucose and lipids following a meal in pregnant women with GDM.

Gestational diabetes (GDM) impacts 1 in 10 pregnancies; hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia are common features of the condition. Women are recommended to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Exercise both during and out of pregnancy has been shown to be an effective non-pharmacologic tool to reduce glucose and lipid profiles. The goals and purpose of this pilot study is to 1) determine the influence of exercise and the timing of exercise surrounding a meal on glucose and lipid metabolism in pregnant women with GDM and 2) determine the feasibility of low-resistance and aerobic activity and measuring exercise metrics during pregnancy. The overarching objective of this study is to determine the effects of low-resistance and aerobic exercise on glucose and lipids following a meal in pregnant women with GDM. Women will perform either low-resistance or aerobic exercise. Blood will be taken before and 2 hours after a fixed meal. For safety, women will have supervised exercise and oxygen consumption will be measured throughout the activity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diet and lifestyle controlled gestational diabetes
• Gestational age 28 weeks-32 weeks gestation
• Age 18-50 years
• Singleton pregnancy

Exclusion Criteria:

• Chronic hypertension
• Pregestational diabetes
• History of peripartum cardiomyopathy
• Any condition contraindicating for exercise
• Taking any cardiovascular modifying medications (beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, corticosteroids)
• Asthma or other underlying lung disease that is equivalent or worse than persistent mild classification (defined as at least >2 day/week asthmatic symptoms, 1-2x/month nighttime awakenings, >2days/week short-acting beta-agonist use for symptom control, and minor limitations with normal activity; ≥2 exacerbations in 6 months requiring oral systemic corticosteroids, ≥4 wheezing episodes/1 year lasting >1 day)
• Congenital anomalies
• Multifetal gestation
• Current alcohol use
• Current tobacco use