Effect of physical activity intervention on insulin resistance and appendicular body composition in gestational diabetes mellitus

The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing worldwide, and a further increase is expected in the coming years. One of the common risk factors for GDM is reduced physical activity (PA), leading to impaired glycemic control and increased insulin resistance (IR). Hence, the objective of the study was to determine the effects of PA intervention on IR and appendicular body composition in individuals with GDM. After screening 135 participants, 52 were included based on the selection criteria. The eight-week PA intervention and an educational booklet with information about GDM and PA intervention were administered to the participants. A detailed analysis of the outcome measures was conducted at baseline and postintervention, including Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and appendicular body composition via body impedance analysis. There was a significant decrease in the HOMA-IR value (MD = 0.123, p < 0.05) and upper extremity (MD = 0.4, p < 0.05), and lower extremity (MD = 0.12, p < 0.05) fat mass‒muscle mass index. The eight-week PA intervention effectively improved insulin resistance and the appendicular body composition among pregnant women with GDM.