Final answer:
Patients with GDM should aim for regular physical activity, including moderate aerobic exercise for at least 150 minutes weekly and muscle-strengthening activities. Incorporating more activity into daily life, stress control, and behavioral interventions are critical for managing blood glucose levels and reducing associated risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
For patients with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), it is recommended to engage in regular physical activity based on the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Activities should include moderate-intensity aerobic exercises for at least 150 minutes per week, spread throughout the week, and muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days per week. Integrating moderate exercise into daily routines and managing stress through activities such as walking or jogging, breathing exercises, and establishing a support system can effectively control blood glucose levels and reduce risks associated with GDM.
Patients should start with manageable increases in activity, striving for low intensity or skill-based activities and building up to more substantial exercise as part of a structured program. Lifestyle changes such as losing weight and adding more physical activity to daily life, along with behavioral weight loss interventions, contribute significantly to managing GDM. It is crucial to foster motivation and avoid an all-or-nothing mindset, emphasizing incremental progress.