Comparative study of circuit resistance training and aerobic training on glycemic control of gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a standout among the most well-known medical complications of pregnancy. The occurrence of GDM has multiplied in the most recent 6-8 years and is associated with the obesity epidemic. Objective To compare the effect of circuit resistance training (CRT) versus aerobic training (AT) on glycemic control in women with GDM. Participants and methods A total of 50 pregnant women with a diagnosis of GDM were randomly assigned to a CRT group or an AT group. Both the groups trained for 40 min, three times per week for 36 sessions, starting at 20-24 weeks gestation (second trimester) until the end of 37 weeks gestation. The fasting and 2-h postprandial plasma glucose levels were assessed in all the participants before and after the treatment program. Results The results revealed a significant decrease in both fasting and 2-h postprandial plasma glucose levels in both the groups after the training program (CRT group, P<0.0001 and AT group, P<0.01). However, the participants in the CRT group exhibited a greater decrease in both fasting and 2-h postprandial plasma glucose levels, with the mean difference between both groups being −15.05 and −46.75 mg/ dl, respectively, favoring the CRT group, (P<0.0001). Conclusion These results suggest that the CRT was more effective than AT in improving glycemic control among gestational diabetic women.