Exercise prescription for pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a review

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a hyperglycemic condition first diagnosed during pregnancy; it implies glucide intolerance of variable severity. GDM management has traditionally been done by diet and close
monitoring of glucose levels, with insulin therapy when necessary. Physical
conditioning exercises have long been accepted as an adjunctive therapy for diabetic nonpregnant subjects, and represent an important therapeutic potential in GDM. The aims of this article were to review scientific literature on exercise programs for women with GDM and to discuss parameters for their prescription. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology, their prescription for diabetic pregnant women should be individualized. Though the American Diabetes Association recommends exercise as a helpful adjunctive therapy for GDM when euglycemia is not achieved by diet alone, studies on exercise for GDM are still scarce, particularly those concerning the kind and efficacy of exercises, and their global effects onto materno-fetal safety. Consideration should be given to the type, intensity, duration and frequency of exercises, as well to the safety parameters already established, so as to obtain the potential benefits and minimize possible harmful effects to mother and fetus.