Review of general suggestions on physical activity to prevent and treat gestational and pre-existing diabetes during pregnancy and in postpartum

The aim of this review is to provide general suggestions about physical activity (PA) in pre-gestational and gestational diabetes (GDM) and encourage women to take part in safe and effective activities throughout pregnancy, in the absence of other contraindications. Physical activity before, during pregnancy and postpartum has many positive effects on the mother as it could reduce the risk of gestational diabetes, excessive weight gain and lower back pain, also prevent, in the postpartum, the diabetes. It may also reduce the duration of labor and complications at childbirth, fatigue, stress, anxiety and depression, leading to an improved sense of wellbeing. Clinically, it is thought to help prevent, preeclampsia and premature birth even though RCTs provide conflicting evidence with respect of prevention of GDM. The main reason for this rests on the fact that the majority of clinical trials have not been able to replicate the preventive effect of PA on the onset of GDM such as the different adherence of the patient to physical activity. Here we survey the literature regarding exercise and PA on GDM prevention and treatment as well as on clinical outcomes in pre-gestational diabetes in pregnancy. We also present a series of general recommendations and suggestions based on current literature for PA and exercise training in pregnancy among both diabetic patients and those at risk for GDM