Pregnancy/Maternity

Gestational diabetes and physical activity

Physical activity should be part of a daily routine for every women struggling with diabetes, whether pregnant or not. Here’s why.

Gestational diabetes is a complication that occurs in 2 to 4 % of pregnancies in Europe and in America, during the second and third trimester and then disappears for most women after pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is not caused by the consumption of sugar (carbohydrates) nor is it directly related to weight, even though women who are significantly overweight before pregnancy are more at risk.

This complication is caused by an increase in blood sugar (glycaemia) that is provoked by hormones secreted by the placenta. These hormones reduce the effectiveness of insulin, which in turn allows the blood sugar to enter the body's cells– it's what we call insulin resistance. If there is too much sugar circulating in the blood, blood sugar will be too high. A test is available to determine whether there is presence of gestational diabetes. Too much sugar in the blood stream is not a good thing for the baby, as it increases the baby's weight too quickly. As for the mother, she no longer has the necessary energy to accomplish daily activities, she is tired and is constantly hungry and thirsty, since the sugar in her blood does not reach her cells.

If you suffer from gestational diabetes, it is important to consult a dietician or a nutritionist in order to design a food plan that will allow you to control your glycaemia and to monitor daily physical activities. The time of day to exercise is very important, since glycaemia varies according to your daily activities. Recent studies suggest that pregnant women should schedule their physical activities according to the time of day when their blood sugar is at its highest.

The doctor's advice

« Physical exercise should be part of a daily routine for every women struggling with diabetes, pregnant or not, in order to improve carbohydrate (sugar) metabolism. Pregnant women who suffer from diabetes, obesity or chronic hypertension must be followed by a training specialist that will be able to prescribe an adapted and customized training program according to their condition. »

Physical exercise is beneficial in the prevention of gestational diabetes in women with a body mass index greater than 30. If you are at risk, you should make sure to regularly exercise at least three times a week for 30 minutes.»

- Dr. Pascale Desautels, obstetrician-gynaecologist

Elise Hofer

Mother of two, Elise Hofer is an accomplished sportswoman in alpine skiing, cycling and running. She holds a Bachelor of Management Degree and promotes an active lifestyle by getting involved with top athletes in the organization of corporate hiking and in various foundations.

Mélanie Olivier

Sports dietician-nutritionist, Melanie Olivier is a former elite skier. Her work with many athletes led her to accompany the Canadian delegation at the Olympic games in 2006, 2008 an 2010. In addition to leading her own nutrition team of experts, Melanie is an experienced lecturer and trainer as well as an appreciated media collaborator.


This week
Ear infections, antibiotics, and prevention

Becoming a parent also means being acquainted with several small infections encountered during our own childhood. Ear infections are numerous and can leave you having lots of questions. We try to respond to the most frequent ones.

My child is often absentminded!

Do you find yourself often repeating phrases like "Hello? Is anyone there?" ? If so, it seems that your child is often absentminded. Here's how to help your distracted children stay concentrated.

A teenager’s bedroom

Your teenager's bedroom is a disaster. You even invented new words to describe this horrendous place where food and clothes seem to blend into a new kind of carpet but your child doesn't seem to mind. What can you do?

My child is smelly!

Your child is now 6 years old. The innocence of childhood still shines brightly in his or her eyes but… they're smelly! When your child gets hot, you scrunch your nose and smell a tinge of sweat. Are they too young for deodorant?