What are key exercise considerations for gestational diabetes mellitus?

What are key exercise considerations for gestational diabetes mellitus?

• A. Regular high-intensity aerobic exercise to rapidly reduce glucose levels.
• B. Regular moderate-intensity aerobic and resistance exercise improves insulin sensitivity and glycaemic control.
• C. Exercise is contraindicated in GDM.
• D. Exercise only affects weight, not glucose.

Answer: (B)

Regular moderate-intensity aerobic activity together with resistance training helps the body use insulin more effectively and stabilizes blood glucose in gestational diabetes. Aerobic activity increases glucose uptake by working muscles, which boosts insulin sensitivity in the short term, while adding resistance training builds muscle mass that improves insulin action over time. This combination addresses both immediate glucose control and longer-term metabolic health, making it the recommended approach when there are no contraindications. Safe, practical examples include activities like brisk walking, stationary cycling, swimming, and light resistance exercises with proper form. Aim for regular activity on most days, and include gentle resistance work a couple of times per week. Important safety notes: avoid lying flat on the back after the first trimester, steer clear of activities with a high risk of falling or abdominal trauma, stay hydrated, avoid overheating, and monitor glucose responses to adjust meals or medications as advised by a clinician. High-intensity exercise is not the standard recommendation for GDM due to safety considerations, and exercise does influence glucose control (not just weight), so that option isn’t aligned with typical management.

Regular moderate-intensity aerobic activity together with resistance training helps the body use insulin more effectively and stabilizes blood glucose in gestational diabetes. Aerobic activity increases glucose uptake by working muscles, which boosts insulin sensitivity in the short term, while adding resistance training builds muscle mass that improves insulin action over time. This combination addresses both immediate glucose control and longer-term metabolic health, making it the recommended approach when there are no contraindications.

Safe, practical examples include activities like brisk walking, stationary cycling, swimming, and light resistance exercises with proper form. Aim for regular activity on most days, and include gentle resistance work a couple of times per week. Important safety notes: avoid lying flat on the back after the first trimester, steer clear of activities with a high risk of falling or abdominal trauma, stay hydrated, avoid overheating, and monitor glucose responses to adjust meals or medications as advised by a clinician.

High-intensity exercise is not the standard recommendation for GDM due to safety considerations, and exercise does influence glucose control (not just weight), so that option isn’t aligned with typical management.