Aims: To investigate the effects of postprandial walking (PPW) on glycaemic control, physical activity patterns, blood pressure (BP) and birth outcomes compared to standard-care exercise guidelines in women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM).
Methods: Thirty women with physician-diagnosed GDM will be randomised to i) Standard-care alone (CON: 30 min walking daily), or ii) PPW intervention with standard-care (PPW: 10 min walking within 1 h of main meals). Preliminary data from ten completed participants (34±5 y, BMI: 24.6±3.9 kg/m2; PPW n=5) are reported here. Blood glucose was assessed using Continuous Glucose Monitoring (iPro2 CGM) for 7-d at 28 and 35 wk gestation, whereas intervention adherence and physical activity patterns were assessed using an ActivPal Accelerometer for 7-d at 28, 32 and 35 wk gestation. Mean 24-h, fasting and 3 h postprandial blood glucose concentrations, and intervention adherence, sedentary time, energy expenditure, birth outcomes and BP were analysed using a fixed effects Linear Mixed Model.
Results: PPW resulted in higher adherence compared to CON (by 11%, Group p = 0.05). Postprandial and fasting glucose, sedentary time and physical activity were not different between PPW and CON (all p > 0.10). No difference was seen in blood pressure between CON and PPW (all p > 0.25). Birth outcomes including birth weight, length, head circumference, and gestation and method of delivery were also not different between PPW and CON (all p > 0.05).
Discussion: Adherence to PPW from 28-36 wk gestation suggests prescribing PPW is a simple and feasible addition to the lifestyle management of GDM. However, the subsequent effect on glycaemic control, physical activity, BP, and maternal and fetal outcomes remains to be determined following the completion of all participants by August.