Diabetes in Pregnancy - Physiotherapy Advice

Often times a diagnosis of diabetes in pregnancy also known as Gestational diabetes mellitus  (GDM), can be overwhelming and cause feelings of fear and helplessness.
What is GDM?
​During pregnancy the hormonal changes can cause insulin resistance resulting in an increase in blood sugar levels. If the level is too high it can be a health risk to both mom and baby. 

If you have been recently diagnosed, your doctor or obstetrician may prescribe various treatment methods to help you manage with this. Physical activity and resistance training is recognized as a helpful adjunct to managing GDM. The benefits of exercise are in pregnancy alone are countless but in GDM this also offers: 
- improved physical health and well being 
- improved control of blood sugar levels
- reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes beginning in the postpartum period
- weight management 

At Inner Active Pelvic Health, our physiotherapists are specially trained in working with pregnant women who have gestational diabetes. If you doctor has given you the all OK to exercise during this time one of our physiotherapists can assist and help you identify an effective and safe program. When choosing to exercise with GD they can help you with the following:

1. Type of exercise - identify an exercise that is appropriate to your level of capability and most importantly something that you ENJOY! Swimming, walking, low impact aerobics, modified aerobics, light weight strength training are just a few examples of activities considered safe during pregnancy.
2. Frequency - how often and when to exercise are important parameters to establish and ensure your workout is safe and effective
3. When to stop: It is important to understand the warning signs to reduce or stop exercising 
   1. pain: chest, pelvic, back 
   2. vaginal bleeding, amniotic fluid loss/leakage
   3. swelling- hands, feet, legs or face 
   4. dizziness, faintness or nausea, shortness of breath
   5. high heart rate 
   6. poor balance 
   7. reduced foetal movements
4. Intensity - understand how to monitor level of work: use of the talk test, heart rate and exertion rating scales are some of the strategies we are able to assist you with. 

If you would like more information about exercising and GDM and how physiotherapy can help, then don’t hesitate to get in touch. Contact us at the Mernda clinic or Bundoora clinic or can leave a message in the chat box below. 

Get the care you deserve.