Exercise for Type 2 Diabetes in Pregnancy

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Overseen ByMarwan Ma'ayeh, MD
Age: 18 - 65
Sex: Female
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Eastern Virginia Medical School
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if walking for 20 minutes after each meal can help manage blood sugar levels in pregnant women with Type 2 diabetes. Participants will be divided into two groups: one group will walk after meals, while the other will receive standard advice about the benefits of exercise during pregnancy. The study seeks pregnant women with Type 2 diabetes who are less than 32 weeks into their pregnancy and can comfortably walk for 20 minutes at a time. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to research that could enhance health recommendations for pregnant women with Type 2 diabetes.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that exercise is safe for pregnant women with Type 2 diabetes?

Research has shown that walking after meals safely and effectively manages blood sugar levels. Studies have found no major side effects from walking after eating. In fact, walking ranks among the best exercises for pregnant individuals, as it is gentle on the body and helps control blood sugar.

One study found that walking for 20 minutes after each meal improved blood sugar control in women with gestational diabetes. Another study confirmed that moderate walking after meals positively affects blood sugar levels. These findings suggest that walking after meals is safe and well-tolerated for pregnant individuals managing Type 2 diabetes.12345

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores the impact of a simple, accessible lifestyle change—walking after meals—on managing type 2 diabetes in pregnant women. Unlike traditional treatments that often focus on medications and general advice on exercise, this approach zeroes in on post-meal physical activity, which could help control blood sugar levels more effectively. The use of a continuous glucose monitor and a FitBit allows for real-time tracking of glucose levels and activity, providing detailed insights into how this specific exercise timing might benefit pregnant women with diabetes.

What evidence suggests that exercise might be an effective treatment for Type 2 diabetes in pregnancy?

Research has shown that walking after meals can help control blood sugar levels. In this trial, participants in the "Post-prandial walk" arm will walk for 20 minutes after each meal. Studies have found that a 20-minute walk after eating can reduce blood sugar spikes in women with gestational diabetes, which resembles Type 2 diabetes during pregnancy. Another study found that even a short 10-minute walk right after a meal can help manage high blood sugar. Exercise, like walking, has consistently lowered blood sugar levels, making it a promising way to manage diabetes during pregnancy. These findings suggest that walking after meals could effectively help control blood sugar in pregnant women with Type 2 diabetes.16789

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for pregnant women with pregestational Type 2 diabetes. It's designed to see if walking after meals can help control blood sugar levels. Participants should be able to perform physical activity and have no health conditions that would make exercise unsafe.

Inclusion Criteria

Singleton gestation
I have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes or was diagnosed in the first trimester of pregnancy.
I am between 18 and 49 years old.
See 1 more

Exclusion Criteria

Non-English as the primary language
Known or suspected fetal anomaly or aneuploidy
Prisoners
See 2 more

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants are divided into two groups: one group walks for 20 minutes after each meal, and the other receives standard care without postprandial walks. Both groups use continuous glucose monitors and FitBits.

From enrollment to delivery, an average of 6 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including measures such as blood glucose levels, fetal growth, and maternal health outcomes.

Up to 42 days post-delivery

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

  • Exercise

Trial Overview

Researchers are testing whether a 20-minute walk after each meal can improve glucose control in pregnant women with Type 2 diabetes, compared to those who do not follow this routine.

How Is the Trial Designed?

2

Treatment groups

Active Control

Group I: Post-prandial walkActive Control1 Intervention
Group II: Standard of CareActive Control1 Intervention

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Eastern Virginia Medical School

Lead Sponsor

Trials
77
Recruited
16,500+

Citations

1.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34216833/

Postprandial interval walking-effect on blood glucose in ...

A total of 20 minutes of postprandial interval walking seems to be an effective way to control postprandial glucose excursions in women with gestational ...

Postprandial interval walking—effect on blood glucose in ...

This study demonstrated that 20 minutes of moderate intensity postprandial exercise can reduce glucose levels in women with GDM. Introduction. Gestational ...

Positive impact of a 10-min walk immediately after glucose ...

A brief 10-min walk immediately after a meal appears to be an effective and feasible approach for the management of hyperglycemia.

Postprandial interval walking—effect on blood glucose in ...

seems to be an effective way to control postprandial glucose excursions in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Key words: blood glucose, continuous ...

Effects of exercise on blood glucose levels and pregnancy ...

Results from meta-analysis showed that exercise significantly lowered fasting blood glucose (FBG) (SMD = −1.69, I2 = 96 %, p < 0.0001), 2-h ...

Three short postmeal walks as an alternate therapy to ...

Small studies in women with gestational diabetes show that postprandial physical activity, as either one 30- or 60-minute postprandial walk, is a safe and ...

Effects of Dietary Approaches and Exercise Interventions ...

Our findings suggest that the DASH diet and low GI diet, and resistance exercise may be beneficial for maternal outcomes in pregnancies with GDM.

Recent Findings on Exercise Therapy for Blood Glucose ...

Thus, it was confirmed that performing moderate-intensity walking approximately 30 min after meals had a positive impact on postprandial blood ...

Exercise in Pregnancy for Gestational Diabetes ... - CDPH

Walking is one of the best exercises for pregnant individuals. Walking for 20 minutes after each meal will help lower your blood sugar.