Resistance exercise decreases the need for insulin in overweight women with gestational diabetes mellitus

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2004 Jan;190(1):188-93. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9378(03)00951-7.

Abstract

Objective: This study examines the effects of circuit-type resistance training on the need for insulin in women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Study design: Thirty-two patients with gestational diabetes mellitus were randomly assigned either to a group that was treated with diet alone or to a group that was treated with diet plus resistance exercise.

Results: The number of women whose condition required insulin therapy was the same, regardless of treatment. However, a subgroup analysis that examined only overweight women (prepregnant body mass index, >25 kg/m(2)) showed a lower incidence of insulin use in the diet-plus-exercise group (P<.05). Women in the diet-plus-exercise group were prescribed less insulin (P<.05) and showed a longer delay from diagnosis to the initiation of insulin therapy (P<.05), compared with the diet-alone group.

Conclusion: Resistance exercise training may help to avoid insulin therapy for overweight women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diabetes Mellitus / diet therapy*
  • Diabetes Mellitus / drug therapy*
  • Diabetes, Gestational / diet therapy*
  • Diabetes, Gestational / drug therapy*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Exercise Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Insulin / administration & dosage*
  • Obesity*
  • Pregnancy
  • Weight Lifting*

Substances

  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin