Physical Exercise on Prevention and Treatment of Gestational Diabetes

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined by the variation of the intolerance to carbohydrate during pregnancy. The treatment of the GD includes diet, physical exercise and, many times, insulin application. The aim of this research was to gather scientific information on the relation of physical exercise and GD. The physical exercise has to be an indispensable component, since its practice before and during gestation can help women prevent GD. The physical exercise can also control the mother’s weight during the gestation. In order to benefit from physical exercise, it is necessary to verify the risks of unplanned physical exercise, the indications to suspend it during the gestation, fundamental aspects before initiating a program of physical exercises, recommendations and contraindications. The most indicated exercises are resistance or aerobic, with intensity between 60% and 70% of the maximum heart rate, three or four times a week, with duration of up to 30 minutes. In conclusion, there are not many reports on regular and systematic physical exercise for patients with GD. However, the majority of studies emphasizes that physical exercises have positive effects over the levels of metabolic control and decreases the incidence of perinatal complications. Therefore, it must be incorporated as an integral part of the treatment for pregnant women with GD.