New Study Findings
New research co-authored by Professor Fionnuala McAuliffe from UCD School of Medicine and led by the University of Liverpool has demonstrated the benefits of lifestyle interventions in reducing the risk of gestational diabetes. This study, published in The BMJ, aggregated data from over 100 randomized trials involving nearly 36,000 pregnant women.
Key Findings
Lifestyle interventions during pregnancy can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. The most effective interventions were found to be physical activity-based, including activities like walking, aerobic and strength training, and swimming. The study also indicated that group delivery formats and the use of newly trained facilitators achieved greater benefits. No adverse effects were observed during the interventions.
Gestational Diabetes Overview
Gestational diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar during pregnancy, which can lead to risks for both mother and baby. These risks include increased chances of stillbirth, preterm birth, and pre-eclampsia. In the longer term, it elevates the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease for both the mother and child.
Addressing Inequalities and Future Research
While lifestyle interventions were found to be beneficial overall, women from lower educational backgrounds showed less benefit. This finding suggests potential inequalities in reach or engagement with the programs, highlighting a need for tailored approaches to address barriers and ensure equitable access. The research primarily utilized data from high-income countries. Researchers emphasize the need for additional studies focusing on culturally adapted and technology-enabled interventions to ensure wider applicability.
Recommendations
The findings suggest that lifestyle interventions should be integrated into routine antenatal care to allow all women to benefit. This approach aims to improve maternal and offspring health given the rising global rates of gestational diabetes.