The effects of mindfulness eating and yoga exercise on blood sugar levels of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Aim: This randomized controlled trial was carried out to investigate the effect of mindfulness eating and yoga exercise on blood sugar levels among pregnant Thai women with GDM.

Background: Interventions promoting achievement of good glycemic control result in desired pregnancy outcomes. Little is known about the health benefits of mindfulness eating and yoga exercise on blood sugar levels among pregnant with GDM.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was carried out. Main outcome measures were capillary fasting plasma glucose, 2-h postprandial blood glucose, and hemoglobin A1c.

Results: The intervention group showed significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose, 2-h postprandial blood glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in the intervention group (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Mindfulness eating and yoga exercise had health benefits on glycemic control in pregnant women with GDM. It should be recommended in clinical and community health services.

Keywords: Gestational diabetes; Glycemic control; Mindfulness eating; Pregnant women; Yoga exercise.