Insulin Sensitivity and Plasma Glucose Response to Aerobic Exercise in Pregnant Women at Risk for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the common complications that occurduring pregnancy. Early intervention is essential to prevent the development of the disease in the non-pregnant state but also helpful in preventing the occurrence of GDM. The aim of the study was to assessthe effect of aerobic exercises on insulin sensitivity and fasting plasma glucose level in pregnant womenwith risk for gestational diabetes mellitus.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty multigravidae women between 20-24 weeks of gestation with riskfor GDM were randomly selected (age range was 25-35 years), body mass index ranged from 30-35kg/m2. Women were divided into two equal groups: intervention group (A), which followed an aerobicexercise program in the form of walking on treadmill, three times weekly until the end of 37 weeks ofgestation in addition to diet control. Control group (B) which received diet control with usual care givenby obstetricians and midwives. Evaluation of the women in both groups was carried out before and aftertreatment program through assessment of fasting blood glucose and insulin levels.RESULTS: There was a highly statistically significance decrease in fasting blood glucose level, fastinginsulin level in both groups where the p value was 0.0001 favoring group (A).CONCLUSION: Moderate intensity of aerobic exercises were effective in reducing fasting blood glucoselevel and fasting insulin level in pregnant women with risk for gestational diabetes mellitus.