Review
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World J Diabetes. Dec 15, 2013; 4(6): 256-262
Published online Dec 15, 2013. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v4.i6.256
Prescribing physical activity to prevent and manage gestational diabetes
Sheri R Colberg, Kristin Castorino, Lois Jovanovič
Sheri R Colberg, Human Movement Sciences Department, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, United States
Kristin Castorino, Sansum Diabetes Research Institute, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, United States
Lois Jovanovič, Sansum Diabetes Research Institute, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, United States
Author contributions: Colberg SR completed the majority of the writing of the manuscript; Castorino K and Jovanovič L edited and revised it.
Correspondence to: Sheri R Colberg, PhD, Human Movement Sciences Department, Old Dominion University, 1006B Student Recreation Center, 48th Street and Powhatan Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23529, United States. scolberg@odu.edu
Telephone: +1-757-6833356 Fax: +1-757-6834270
Received: October 8, 2013
Revised: October 26, 2013
Accepted: November 15, 2013
Published online: December 15, 2013
Processing time: 72 Days and 18.7 Hours
Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most prevalent metabolic disorder during pregnancy. Women diagnosed with GDM have a substantially greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 5-10 years after delivery, and the risk is increased by excess body weight. Uncontrolled hyperglycemia during pregnancy is potentially harmful to both mother and fetus, resulting in a greater need for Caesarian-section deliveries, delivery of larger infants with more excess body fat, a greater risk of infant death and stillbirth, and an elevated risk of infant hypoglycemia immediately after birth. Fortunately, engaging in physical activity prior to and during pregnancy may lower the risk of developing GDM. Pregnant women should also be advised how to safely increase their physical activity during pregnancy and the postpartum period. An initial approach to becoming more physically active can simply be to encourage women to incorporate more unstructured physical activity into daily living, both before and during pregnancy. Giving women an appropriate exercise prescription can encourage them to participate in physical activity safely and effectively throughout pregnancy to prevent and/or manage GDM. Engaging in 30 min of moderate intensity physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week has been adopted as a recommendation for all pregnant women.

Keywords: Gestational diabetes; Pregnancy; Physical activity; Exercise prescription; Blood glucose

Core tip: Gestational diabetes mellitus is the most prevalent metabolic disorder during pregnancy. Uncontrolled hyperglycemia during pregnancy is potentially harmful to both mother and fetus. Pregnant women should be advised how to safely increase their physical activity during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Giving women an appropriate exercise prescription can encourage them to participate in physical activity safely and effectively throughout pregnancy to prevent and/or manage gestational diabetes. Engaging in 30 min of moderate intensity physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week has been adopted as a recommendation for all pregnant women.