Research shows the benefits of lifestyle interventions to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.

Research shows the benefits of lifestyle interventions to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.

New research shows benefits of lifestyle changes to reduce gestational diabetes

New research co-authored by Professor Fionnuala McAuliffe from the UCD School of Medicine and led by the University of Liverpool has demonstrated the significant benefits of lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. This condition poses serious risks to the mother and baby, such as: B. an increased risk of stillbirth, premature birth and preeclampsia. It also increases the long-term risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease for mother and child.

Background of the research

Despite increasing rates of gestational diabetes worldwide, there is limited evidence to inform decision-makers about which lifestyle changes are most effective for prevention. The team of researchers from the UK, Europe, Australia, North America and Asia took on this topic. The study was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Results of the study

The ones in todayThe BMJpublished study brings together data from more than 100 randomized trials involving nearly 36,000 pregnant women, including the largest international collection of individual participant data to date. This allowed the team to examine whether lifestyle changes, including diet and physical activity, can prevent gestational diabetes, who they work best for, and which components provide the greatest benefit.

The results show that lifestyle changes during pregnancy can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. Activity-based interventions such as walking, aerobics, strength training and swimming are particularly effective. The study suggests that group training formats and newly trained trainers can achieve greater benefits.

Importance of the results

Professor Fionnuala McAuliffe, co-author of the study and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the National Maternity Hospital Dublin, said: “Pregnancy is a special time in life when we can support mothers to improve their health and that of their infants.”

Most notably, the study also showed that pregnant women benefit overall, but women from lower educational backgrounds benefit less. This suggests inequalities in attainment or participation.

"Rates of gestational diabetes are increasing worldwide. While lifestyle changes have been shown to prevent type 2 diabetes, their role in preventing gestational diabetes has been unclear – until now. Our results show that these interventions should be integrated into routine pregnancy care so that all women can benefit. However, we found that women with lower educational attainment benefited less from these programs. This highlights the need for tailored approaches that address barriers to participation and more equitable access to support ensure.”

Shakila Thangaratinam, senior author and project leader, Professor of Gynecology, University of Liverpool

Future research and recommendations

The research was based primarily on data from high-income countries, and the team emphasizes that further studies on culturally adapted and technologically supported interventions are needed. Professor Thangaratinam concluded: “Lifestyle changes during pregnancy are an achievable, evidence-based approach to improving maternal and newborn health and should be supported by policy action and practice.”

Professor John Allotey, the lead author, added: "By combining a large number of studies with detailed individual data, we were able to determine not only whether lifestyle changes work, but also which elements make them most effective. Given the global rise in gestational diabetes, this type of evidence is crucial for designing interventions that work for all women."

Professor Anthony Gordon, program leader of the NIHR Health Technology Assessment (HTA) program which funded the study, said: "Funding such studies is essential as it builds knowledge and evidence that can help determine how best to care for mothers and their unborn children during pregnancy. This reduces the risk of several serious conditions associated with gestational diabetes and other health complications in the future."

Activity-based interventions were found to be the most effective for preventing gestational diabetes. No negative effects were observed. Women should speak to their doctor or midwife if they have concerns.

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