Gestational Diabetes and Exercise
Session Title
Other Abstracts
Faculty Mentor
Janet Wojcik, Ph.D.
College
College of Education
Department
Physical Education, Sport & Human Performance
Abstract
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is any degree of glucose intolerance that occurs during pregnancy. Skeletal muscles represent the main site of insulin resistance which tends to lead to exercise becoming the main prescription due to the overwhelming amount of evidence provided. Within this evidence very little is provided on resistance training. In this study as part of the literature review, resistance training was studied to see what effect it has on glycemic control in patients with GDM. A randomized control trial was conducted involving patients who were under prenatal follow up with an obstetric clinic. The patients were split into two groups, an exercise group, and a control group. Patients included in the study were those who ranged between 18-45, were sedentary, nonsmokers, gestational age ranging from 24 to 34 weeks, and no risk factors for preterm delivery. In terms of frequency, intensity, time and type (FITT) of exercise for someone with GDM, aerobic training should be completed for 3-7 days a week, for at least 150 minutes a week at a moderate intensity of 40-59% of VO2Reserve. Resistance training should be completed for 2-3 days a week, 8-10 exercises, 1-3 sets, for 10-15 repetitions, at 50-60% of 1-RM for moderate intensity. Flexibility training should be completed for 2-3 days a week, stretching to the point of discomfort, holding for 10-30 seconds, for 2-4 sets. The resistance exercise program can be considered an effective therapeutic alternative for patients with GDM due to improved glycemic control and reduced number of patients who require insulin.
Course Assignment
EXSC 511 – Wojcik
Start Date
15-4-2023 12:00 PM
Gestational Diabetes and Exercise
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is any degree of glucose intolerance that occurs during pregnancy. Skeletal muscles represent the main site of insulin resistance which tends to lead to exercise becoming the main prescription due to the overwhelming amount of evidence provided. Within this evidence very little is provided on resistance training. In this study as part of the literature review, resistance training was studied to see what effect it has on glycemic control in patients with GDM. A randomized control trial was conducted involving patients who were under prenatal follow up with an obstetric clinic. The patients were split into two groups, an exercise group, and a control group. Patients included in the study were those who ranged between 18-45, were sedentary, nonsmokers, gestational age ranging from 24 to 34 weeks, and no risk factors for preterm delivery. In terms of frequency, intensity, time and type (FITT) of exercise for someone with GDM, aerobic training should be completed for 3-7 days a week, for at least 150 minutes a week at a moderate intensity of 40-59% of VO2Reserve. Resistance training should be completed for 2-3 days a week, 8-10 exercises, 1-3 sets, for 10-15 repetitions, at 50-60% of 1-RM for moderate intensity. Flexibility training should be completed for 2-3 days a week, stretching to the point of discomfort, holding for 10-30 seconds, for 2-4 sets. The resistance exercise program can be considered an effective therapeutic alternative for patients with GDM due to improved glycemic control and reduced number of patients who require insulin.
