EXPLORING THE ROLE OF PHYSICAL INACTIVITY IN GESTATIONAL DIABETES MELLITUS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF EVIDENCE

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a pregnancy-related condition characterized by glucose intolerance, significantly impacting both maternal and fetal health. Among the modifiable risk factors, physical inactivity has been identified as a key contributor to GDM. The review synthesizes findings from twelve studies conducted across eight countries, with a combined total of 24,583 participants. The results consistently indicate that women who engage in regular physical activity (PA) before and during early pregnancy have a lower risk of developing GDM. The protective effect is particularly pronounced among those active before conception. Despite the consistent associations, variations in study design, population characteristics, and methods for assessing PA lead to differences in reported outcomes. The findings emphasize the importance of PA as a preventive measure, highlighting its role in prenatal care. However, variability in results across studies points to the need for further research to develop specific guidelines and targeted interventions. Incorporating PA into prenatal programs could enhance maternal and child health by reducing the risk of GDM and its associated long-term metabolic complications.