Time-restricted eating and high-intensity interval training may not affect gestational diabetes risk in pregnant individuals

1. In this cohort of pregnant individuals, time-restricted eating and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) did not significantly affect gestational diabetes development. 

Evidence Rating Level: 1 (Excellent) 

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a type of high blood sugar diagnosed during pregnancy, driven by factors such as high body mass index (BMI), advanced maternal age, and family history, which can lead to long-term health issues for mother and child. Lifestyle recommendations during pregnancy are recommended; however, these are often difficult to maintain. Previous research has yielded mixed results; therefore, this randomized controlled trial aimed to assess whether combining time-restricted eating and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) would improve blood sugar levels and overall health during pregnancy. Eligible participants were randomized 1:1 to the intervention and control groups, and all participants underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test at gestational week 28. A total of 167 participants were enrolled, with 111 conceiving successfully within the study timeframe. There was no significant difference in two-hour plasma glucose level between the intervention and control groups (mean difference 0.48 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval -0.05 to 1.01, P=0.08). Adherence to both diet and exercise decreased during pregnancy, compared to pre-pregnancy. Overall, this study found that combining time-restricted eating and exercise before and during pregnancy was not associated with significant improvements in blood sugar control at 28 weeks of gestation. 

Click to read this study in The BMJ

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