Gestational diabetes study proves healthy habits need to be introduced pre-pregnancy

A STUDY has proven healthy eating and exercise while pregnant will not improve a woman’s chance of getting gestational diabetes — it needs to be done earlier.

Healthy habits need to start before you fall pregnant to prevent gestational diabetes.

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A STUDY has proven healthy eating and exercise while pregnant will not improve a woman’s chance of getting gestational diabetes.

The DALI study has found that despite popular belief healthy living during pregnancy won’t help prevent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in expectant mothers.

The hard work in the healthy habits department needs to be done before falling pregnant.

The study, published in the journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, follows an increase in women giving birth with GDM from 7.8 per cent in 2010 to 21.2 per cent in 2014.

South western Sydney is above the national average of 4.2 per cent.

Campbelltown Hospital endocrinologist, researcher and Western Sydney University Professor of Medicine David Simmons said it was important it be identified, treated and managed on time.

Professor David Simmons.

“It is clearly even more important for expectant mothers to have a balanced diet and exercise regimen, both for themselves and their child, before they are pregnant in order to reduce their chances of developing GDM,” Professor Simmons said.

Complications with gestational diabetes can include excessive birth weight, preterm birth, low blood sugar and the possibility of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Many of the symptoms mirror normal pregnancy symptoms and often go unnoticed, but he said expectant mothers should get in touch with their GP if they notice excessive thirst, increased urination, tiredness or nausea.

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of three lifestyle interventions that included healthy eating, physical activity and a combination of both.

Healthy habits need to be establisedh before falling pregnant.

Reduce the risk:

● Be active every day and sit less

● Build your strength and take more steps

● Be more active on weekends

● Replace sugary drinks

● Eat more non-starchy vegetables

● Increase fibre consumption

● Eat protein

● Reduce fat intake and eat less carbs