Pregnancy and gestational diabetes exercise

How important is exercise in the process of managing my diabetes? I have a very busy life already and can’t understand why my doctor is trying to persuade me to do exercise. It just feels like additional pressure.

Although it is hard for you to believe it, exercise is a vital part of keeping healthy. Your doctor really wants you to take up exercise because he knows how valuable it will be to your health. There are many benefits to exercise, and they include reducing your stress levels, increasing your energy, and helping to maintain healthy sugar levels. Being fit will also mean that you will cope better with labor and birth.

Since you do not have a regular exercise program, you need to start out very slowly, preferably under the care of a trained professional. Your doctor can recommend a trainer or biokineticist. You will probably be limited to walking or light cycling and will be monitored and managed. You will be amazed at how much better you feel once you have a regular exercise routine.

There are a few things you should keep in mind. It is important to keep your heart rate in a safe region. Calculate the safe rate using this equation:

220 – age then multiply by 0.7
So if you are 30 years old: 220 – 30 = 190. Multiply 190 by 0.7 = 133
So if you are 30 years old you should not let your heart rate rise above 133.

In addition, you should make sure that you don’t overheat, take a snack before exercising, and do not inject insulin into your legs if you are cycling or walking.

See also
Gestational Diabetes – Diet
Gestational Diabetes – Early delivery
Gestational Diabetes – Insulin
Gestational Diabetes – Learning to manage
Gestational Diabetes – Management
Gestational Diabetes – Nutritional Support
Gestational Diabetes – Overweight
Gestational Diabetes – Reason for test
Gestational Diabetes – Symptoms