THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE FOR INSULIN-REQUIRING GESTATIONAL DIABETICS - EFFECTS ON THE FETUS - RESULTS OF A RANDOMIZED PROSPECTIVE LONGITUDINAL-STUDY

Regular physical activity is an establish therapeutic adjunct in diabe tes, but has not been offered to pregnant diabetics in the past; for s ports might induce significant cardiovascular and hormonal changes tha t are able to reduce blood flow to the uterus and thus limit oxygen tr ansfer to the fetus. Studying the impact of a medically supervised exe rcise program on gestational diabetes mellitus [GDM) in a randomised p rospective longitudinal study, this paper aims to assess the effects o f maternal moderate and strenuous exercise on the fetus. By evaluating shortterm fetal responses as reflected in heart rate patterns (FHR) a nd longterm-pregnancy complications and neonatal outcome, our results suggest that - in absence of ominous FHR changes or significant change s in uterine activity following the exercise sessions or increased dia betes-related peri- and neonatal morbidity - regular physical activity seems to be a safe therapeutic option for the fetus of GDM mothers.