Promoting physical activity in women with a history of gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes (GDM) affects up to 20% of pregnancies and women who have had gestational diabetes are ten times more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Strategies are needed to reduce the progression of gestational diabetes to type 2 diabetes.

According to our randomised controlled trial, women with a history of gestational diabetes benefited from following a hybrid lifestyle intervention, which included access to Babysteps mHealth.

The results show that the participants following the intervention walked an extra 500 steps per day although the difference was not significant. This group also reported higher self-efficacy for exercise, lower feelings of anxiety and a higher quality of life. The overall intervention was found to be cost-effective.