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An Exercise Intervention to Prevent Gestational Diabetes

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Gestational Diabetes
Interventions
Behavioral: Heath & Wellness
Behavioral: Physical activity
Registration Number
NCT00728377
Lead Sponsor
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Brief Summary

Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at substantially increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and obesity, currently at epidemic rates in the United States. GDM, therefore, identifies a population of women at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and thus provides an excellent opportunity to intervene years before the development of this disorder. It is well recognized that acute as well as chronic physical activity reduce fasting plasma glucose as well as improve glucose tolerance in type 2 diabetes. Recent studies have suggested that women with higher levels of physical activity have reduced risk of GDM. Therefore, we will test the hypothesis that an exercise intervention is an effective tool for preventing GDM among women with a history of GDM.

Detailed Description

The primary goals of the application are to investigate the effects of a motivationally-tailored, individually targeted 12-wk physical activity intervention on 1) risk of GDM in women at high risk of the condition, 2) serum biomarkers associated with insulin resistance, 3) and the adoption and maintenance of exercise during pregnancy. Secondary goals are to investigate the impact of the intervention on gestational weight gain and selected birth outcomes. The overall goal of the intervention is to encourage pregnant women to achieve the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Guidelines for physical activity during pregnancy (30 minutes or more of moderate- intensity activity on most days of the week) through increasing walking and developing a more active lifestyle. The intervention draws from the theory of Stages of Motivational Readiness for Change and Social Cognitive Theory constructs for physical activity behavior and will take into account the specific social, cultural, economic, and physical environmental challenges faced by women of diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. The application is innovative in being the first, to our knowledge, to test a physical activity intervention designed to prevent GDM among high risk women. The intervention protocol can readily be translated into clinical practice in underserved and minority populations.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
488
Inclusion Criteria
  • history of gestational diabetes or overweight (>25 kg/m2) with family history of type 2 diabetes
  • sedentary
Exclusion Criteria
  • history of diagnosis of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease or chronic renal disease
  • current medications which adversely influence glucose tolerance
  • not planning to continue the pregnancy to term
  • >16 weeks gestation
  • contraindications to participating in moderate physical activity
  • inability to read English at a 6th grade level
  • self-reported participation in >30 min of moderate or vigorous-intensity exercise on >3 days/wk
  • prior participation in the study
  • non-singleton pregnancy

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Heath & WellnessHeath & Wellness-
ExercisePhysical activity-
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Gestational diabetes diagnosis assessed through glucose tolerance test.28 weeks gestational age
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Adiponectin28 weeks gestational age
TNF-alpha28 weeks gestational age
Birth weight40 weeks gestational age
Apgar score40 weeks gestational age
Maternal weight gain40 weeks gestational age
Glucose28 weeks gestational age
Insulin28 weeks gestational age
Resistin28 weeks gestational age
Adoption and maintenance of exercise during pregnancy40 weeks gestational age
CRP28 weeks gestational age

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Batstate Medical Center

🇺🇸

Springfield, Massachusetts, United States

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