Effects of Physical Activity and Exercise in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Poster Number
066
College
College of Education
Department
Physical Education, Sport & Human Performance
Faculty Mentor
Joni Boyd, Ph.D.
Abstract
The purpose of this review of literature was to develop a better understanding of the effects of physical activity (PA) and exercise in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). GDM is an increasingly common metabolic disease that is acquired during pregnancy when glucose levels are unstable; it is also linked sedentary behaviors. Research shows that when a woman develops GDM, long-term effects can result for the mother and the baby. The studies in this review of literature investigated the effects of activity levels in pregnant women with and without GDM to acquire a better understanding of how these factors can affect a woman’s body during gestation. The methods in these studies included examining low, moderate, and vigorous intensity PA and exercise. All studies concluded that, as compared to being sedentary, any intensity of activity and movement can reduce a woman’s chances of developing type II diabetes after pregnancy, specifically for women with GDM. Decreased chances of gestational weight gain (GWG), hypertension, and other pregnancy complications, such as preterm delivery, were also found. Some participants in the study also reported having an increase in energy or metabolism. This review of literature is significant, because it will enable doctors, pregnant women, and those thinking about becoming pregnant to identify the risk factors associated with GDM, and to recognize that being active can assist in eliminating these risks.
Course Assignment
PESH 381 – Boyd
Start Date
12-4-2019 2:15 PM
End Date
April 2019
Effects of Physical Activity and Exercise in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Richardson Ballroom – DiGiorgio Campus Center
The purpose of this review of literature was to develop a better understanding of the effects of physical activity (PA) and exercise in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). GDM is an increasingly common metabolic disease that is acquired during pregnancy when glucose levels are unstable; it is also linked sedentary behaviors. Research shows that when a woman develops GDM, long-term effects can result for the mother and the baby. The studies in this review of literature investigated the effects of activity levels in pregnant women with and without GDM to acquire a better understanding of how these factors can affect a woman’s body during gestation. The methods in these studies included examining low, moderate, and vigorous intensity PA and exercise. All studies concluded that, as compared to being sedentary, any intensity of activity and movement can reduce a woman’s chances of developing type II diabetes after pregnancy, specifically for women with GDM. Decreased chances of gestational weight gain (GWG), hypertension, and other pregnancy complications, such as preterm delivery, were also found. Some participants in the study also reported having an increase in energy or metabolism. This review of literature is significant, because it will enable doctors, pregnant women, and those thinking about becoming pregnant to identify the risk factors associated with GDM, and to recognize that being active can assist in eliminating these risks.
