During pregnancy, women can develop a temporary form of Diabetes Mellitus which causes high blood glucose levels. This usually occurs in the late 2nd-3rd trimester and usually resolves after birth, however precautions need to be considered.
Exercise is now recognised as an effective way to help control blood glucose levels. If exercise is performed at least 3 times per week through the entire pregnancy then GDM may be prevented. It has been found that women with GDM who are obese, have a history of a sedentary lifestyle and who have poorly controlled hypertension are most likely to benefit from exercise. Therefore, these women are best exercising in a monitored environment.
Once GDM is diagnosed, women have an increased risk of developing GDM in a subsequent pregnancy by 66%. It is now recognised that exercise can prevent GDM in a large portion of women. However, it seems that to be preventative, exercise needs to commence prior to pregnancy or in the first trimester of pregnancy.
If you have an increased risk of developing, are already diagnosed with, or want to help prevent Gestational Diabetes Mellitus then come and see Bonnie, our Women’s Health Physiotherapist at Bend + Mend Physiotherapy in Sydney’s CBD.
