Gestational diabetes risk can be reduced with lifestyle interventions during pregnancy
More physical activity during pregnancy could reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes.
Significant benefits of lifestyle interventions in reducing the risk of gestational diabetes have been identified in the largest study to date on the condition.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have led the largest study to date demonstrating that physical activity-based interventions, such as walking, aerobic and strength training, and swimming, were the most effective ways to reduce the risk of developing gestational diabetes.
Gestational diabetes is a condition characterised by high blood glucose levels during pregnancy, posing serious risks to both mother and baby, including increased chances of stillbirth, preterm birth, and pre-eclampsia.
Longer term, gestational diabetes can also increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease for both mother and child.
Despite rising global rates of gestational diabetes, there has previously been limited evidence to guide policymakers on the most effective lifestyle interventions for prevention.
The recently published study in The BMJ, included figures from more than 100 randomised trials involving nearly 36,000 pregnant women, making for the largest international collection of individual participant data to date.
The research was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and work was carried out by a team of research from across the UK, Europe, Australia, North America and Asia.
Access to the large database allowed the team to assess whether lifestyle interventions, including diet and physical activity, prevent gestational diabetes, for whom they work best, and which components provide the greatest benefit.
Results suggested that group delivery formats and newly trained facilitators achieved greater benefits to encourage these lifestyle changes.
Significantly, the study also reported that although pregnant women benefitted overall, those from lower educational backgrounds benefited less, suggesting inequalities in reach or engagement.
The report concluded: “Lifestyle interventions in pregnancy are likely to prevent gestational diabetes, with effects varying according to diagnostic criteria. Implementation strategies should address inequalities by maternal education, and consider group formats, provider training, and physical activity-based interventions to prevent gestational diabetes.”
Senior author and project lead, Shakila Thangaratinam, Professor of Women's Health at the University of Liverpool said: “Rates of gestational diabetes are increasing worldwide. While lifestyle interventions are proven to prevent type 2 diabetes, their role in preventing gestational diabetes has been unclear - until now. Our findings show these interventions should be integrated into routine antenatal care so all women can benefit.
“However, we observed that women with lower educational attainment benefitted less from these programmes. This highlights the need for tailored approaches that address barriers to engagement and ensure equitable access to support.”
The research primarily drew on figures from high-income countries, and researchers emphasised the need for further studies on culturally adapted and technology-enabled interventions.
Professor Thangaratinam said: “Lifestyle interventions in pregnancy are an achievable, evidence-based approach to improving maternal and offspring health and should be supported through policy and practice.”
Lead author John Allotey, Professor of Women's Health at the University of Liverpool said: “By combining a large number of trials with detailed individual-level data, we were able to identify not just whether lifestyle interventions work, but which elements make them most effective. As gestational diabetes continues to rise globally, this kind of evidence is crucial for designing interventions that work for all women.”
Professor Anthony Gordon, Programme Director for the NIHR Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme, which funded the study, said: "Funding studies like this is essential as it builds knowledge and evidence which can help determine how best to care for mothers and their unborn children throughout pregnancy, reducing the risk of several serious conditions associated with gestational diabetes and other health complications in the future."
A statement from the University of Liverpool added: “Physical activity-based interventions were found to be the most effective in preventing gestational diabetes. No adverse effects were observed. Women should talk to their GP or midwife if they have any concerns.”
Read the full report in The BMJ
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