Diet and exercise interventions for preventing gestational diabetes mellitus

Adolescence and the next generation

“…Exercise has the potential to promote greater maternal insulin sensitivity, but its benefits during pregnancy are debated 113,114 . A recent Cochrane review failed to demonstrate that dietary and lifestyle (including exercise) interventions for women with gestational diabetes mellitus restored glycaemic control or prevented adverse effects for women or their babies 113,115 . Although two reports have suggested some modest benefits of antenatal exercise in obese women, its late timing in those with no regular pattern of physical activity before pregnancy seems likely to bring limited benefits 116,117 .…”

Causes and consequences of gestational diabetes in South Asians living in Canada: results from a prospective cohort study

“…A Cochrane review suggested that dietary interventions are more effective than exercise alone or mixed interventions in preventing gestational diabetes. 41 We identified no randomized trials that aimed to reduce prepregnancy BMI or alter diet quality in pregnancy as a method to prevent gestational diabetes in South Asian women living in high-income countries.…”

12. Management of Diabetes in Pregnancy

“…Therefore, all women should be screened as outlined in Section 2 "Classification and Diagnosis of Diabetes." Although there is some heterogeneity, many randomized controlled trials suggest that the risk of GDM may be reduced by diet, exercise, and lifestyle counseling (14,15).…”