A New Look at Exercise During Pregnancy With Type 1 Diabetes

Pregnancy in women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes carries increased health risks, mainly because hormonal changes make blood sugar harder to control. Physical activity has the potential to improve glucose management and reduce pregnancy complications, yet we know very little about how active pregnant women with diabetes actually are—or how their activity levels shift across the three trimesters.

Despite the potential benefits of exercise, there are currently no pregnancy-specific physical activity guidelines designed for women with pre-existing diabetes. Understanding the real experiences of both pregnant women and the healthcare providers who care for them is an important first step toward developing evidence-based guidance.

This research combines three different approaches. First, 175 pregnant women (75 with type 1 diabetes and 100 with type 2 diabetes) will be monitored throughout their pregnancy. During each trimester, they'll wear wrist-worn activity monitors for seven days, keep exercise diaries, and take photos of their meals. Researchers will also collect their continuous glucose monitor data and ask them about their diabetes-related well-being.

Second, about 16 of these women will join focus groups to talk openly about what it's like to be physically active while pregnant. Third, approximately 100 healthcare providers who care for pregnant women with diabetes will complete a survey about their experiences providing exercise guidance. Around 10 of these providers will participate in interviews to share more detailed perspectives.

The main goal is to map how physical activity changes—or stays the same—across pregnancy. Beyond that, the study will explore how activity levels relate to blood sugar control, dietary choices, and overall diabetes-related well-being. By listening to both pregnant women and their care teams, researchers hope to uncover the real barriers and supports that shape physical activity during this critical time.

This research is being conducted because existing pregnancy guidelines don't account for the unique challenges of managing diabetes while carrying a baby. By combining activity data, glucose patterns, personal stories, and provider insights, this study aims to lay the groundwork for practical, evidence-based recommendations that can help pregnant women with diabetes stay active safely and confidently.

Source: BMJ open. Evidence type: PubMed indexed literature. Type1Cure is an information and intelligence hub, not a medical advice service. This article summarizes published research and does not provide diagnosis, treatment, or personal medical guidance. Always talk to your own care team before changing anything about your Type 1 diabetes management.