HMN 2026: How Lifestyle interventions in pregnancy is proven to reduce gestational diabetes risk

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have led the largest study to date demonstrating the significant benefits of lifestyle interventions in reducing the risk of gestational diabetes.

The paper, “Effects of lifestyle interventions in pregnancy on gestational diabetes: individual participant data (IPD) and network meta-analysis” is published in the BMJ.

Gestational diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar during pregnancy, posing serious risks to both mother and baby, including increased chances of stillbirth, preterm birth, and pre-eclampsia. Longer term, it increases the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease for both mother and child.

Despite rising global rates of gestational diabetes, there has been limited evidence to guide policymakers on the most effective lifestyle interventions for prevention. The team of global collaborators from across the UK, Europe, Australia, North America and Asia set out to address this.

The study brings together data from more than 100 randomized trials involving nearly 36,000 pregnant women, including the largest international collection of individual participant data to date. This allowed the team to assess whether lifestyle interventions, including diet and physical activity, prevent gestational diabetes, for whom they work best, and which components provide the greatest benefit.

The study found:

• Lifestyle interventions in pregnancy can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.
• Physical activity-based interventions, such as walking, aerobic and strength training, and swimming, were the most effective.
• Group delivery formats and newly trained facilitators achieved greater benefits.

Significantly, the study also found that although pregnant women benefited overall, those from lower educational backgrounds benefited less, suggesting inequalities in reach or engagement.

Senior author and project lead, Shakila Thangaratinam, Professor of Women’s Health at the University of Liverpool said, “Rates of gestational diabetes are increasing worldwide. While lifestyle interventions are proven to prevent type 2 diabetes, their role in preventing gestational diabetes has been unclear—until now. Our findings show these interventions should be integrated into routine antenatal care so all women can benefit.

“However, we observed that women with lower educational attainment benefited less from these programs. This highlights the need for tailored approaches that address barriers to engagement and ensure equitable access to support.”

The research primarily drew on data from high-income countries, and the team emphasizes the need for further studies on culturally adapted and technology-enabled interventions.

Professor Thangaratinam concluded, “Lifestyle interventions in pregnancy are an achievable, evidence-based approach to improving maternal and offspring health and should be supported through policy and practice.”

Lead author Professor John Allotey concluded, “By combining a large number of trials with detailed individual-level data, we were able to identify not just whether lifestyle interventions work, but which elements make them most effective. As gestational diabetes continues to rise globally, this kind of evidence is crucial for designing interventions that work for all women.”

Physical activity-based interventions were found to be the most effective in preventing gestational diabetes. No adverse effects were observed. Women should talk to their GP or midwife if they have any concerns.

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