The effect of exercise on the prevention of gestational diabetes in obese and overweight pregnant women

Monday 30'2020

The effect of exercise on the prevention of gestational diabetes in obese and overweight pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a disorder of carbohydrate and glucose metabolism, which is first occurring or diagnosed during pregnancy. Due to the physiological, endocrine and metabolic changes during pregnancy in order to meet the nutrient and oxygen requirements of the fetus continuously, the diabetogenic condition similar to that occurring in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is created, increasing the insulin resistance, decreasing the insulin sensitivity and consequently enhancing the need for insulin. In most pregnancies, this need is met and the balance between insulin resistance and secretion is provided. However, if there is no such balance in a person, the symptoms of gestational diabetes are manifested. This disorder is one of the most common complications of pregnancy and its prevalence worldwide is increasing along with enhancing T2D

A number of risk factors affect the incidence and development of GDM. The most common risk factors include obesity and overweight, high maternal age, family history of T2D, previous history of GDM, polycystic ovary syndrome, persistent glucosuria, recurrent abortions, previous history of a large baby (birth weight ≥ 4000 g), history of stillbirth, history of chronic hypertension or blood pressure associated with pregnancy and maternal smoking as well as other risk factors. Among these risk factors, women with overweight, obesity and morbid obesity are related to an increased risk of developing GDM at a rate of two, four and eight times, respectively. With the rise of obesity in the worldwide and the consequent increase in GDM, preventive strategies are needed to avoid the unwanted consequences of obesity and hyperglycemia during pregnancy.