Global Analysis Led by University of Liverpool Highlights Power of Exercise in Pregnancy

Global Analysis Led by University of Liverpool Highlights Power of Exercise in Pregnancy

(IN BRIEF) University of Liverpool researchers have led the largest global analysis to date showing that lifestyle interventions during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. Drawing on data from more than 100 trials and nearly 36,000 women, the study found that physical activity-based programmes are the most effective, particularly when delivered in group settings. While benefits were seen overall, women with lower educational attainment gained less, highlighting the need for more inclusive and tailored approaches. The findings support integrating lifestyle interventions into routine antenatal care to improve long-term outcomes for mothers and babies.

(PRESS RELEASE) LIVERPOOL, 7-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — A major international research effort led by the University of Liverpool has delivered the strongest evidence to date that lifestyle interventions during pregnancy can significantly lower the risk of gestational diabetes, a condition that is increasing rapidly worldwide.

Gestational diabetes is marked by elevated blood glucose levels during pregnancy and is associated with serious complications for both mother and baby, including pre-eclampsia, premature birth, and stillbirth. Beyond pregnancy, the condition raises long-term risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease for mothers and their children. Despite these risks, uncertainty has remained around which preventive lifestyle strategies are most effective.

Supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, the research team brought together collaborators from the UK, Europe, Australia, North America, and Asia to conduct the most comprehensive analysis yet of lifestyle-based prevention strategies. The study combined evidence from more than 100 randomised controlled trials, involving almost 36,000 pregnant women, and included the largest global dataset of individual participant data assembled for this purpose.

Published in The BMJ, the analysis examined whether interventions focused on diet and physical activity reduce gestational diabetes risk, which approaches are most effective, and which groups benefit the most. The findings show that lifestyle interventions during pregnancy do reduce the likelihood of developing gestational diabetes, with physical activity-based programmes delivering the greatest impact.

Activities such as walking, aerobic exercise, swimming, and strength training were found to be particularly effective. Programmes delivered in group settings and those led by newly trained facilitators also produced stronger outcomes. However, the study identified an important disparity: women with lower levels of educational attainment experienced smaller benefits, pointing to potential inequalities in access, engagement, or programme design.

Professor Shakila Thangaratinam, senior author and project lead at the University of Liverpool, said the findings provide clarity where evidence has previously been limited. She noted that while lifestyle interventions are already known to prevent type 2 diabetes, this research confirms their value during pregnancy and supports their integration into routine antenatal care. At the same time, she emphasised the need for tailored strategies to ensure all women can benefit equally.

The researchers also highlighted gaps in the current evidence base, as most data were drawn from high-income countries. Further studies are needed to evaluate culturally adapted and technology-enabled interventions, particularly in lower-resource settings.

Lead author Professor John Allotey said that combining large numbers of trials with individual-level data allowed the team to identify not only whether interventions work, but which components drive effectiveness. He stressed that this level of detail is essential as gestational diabetes continues to rise globally.

Professor Anthony Gordon, Programme Director for the NIHR Health Technology Assessment Programme, said the study provides vital evidence to inform pregnancy care and reduce future health risks for mothers and children.

The researchers reported no adverse effects linked to physical activity-based interventions and advise pregnant women to consult their GP or midwife if they have concerns. The full study, titled Effects of lifestyle interventions in pregnancy on gestational diabetes: individual participant data and network meta-analysis, is published in The BMJ.

Media Contact:

Alison Cornmell
Media Relations Manager – Health and Life Sciences
T: +44 (0) 7771 700680
E: Alison.Cornmell@liverpool.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Liverpool