Pregnant woman walking for gestational diabetes

Step Up for a Healthy Pregnancy: How Daily Walks Can Lower Your Glucose Levels

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Simple, consistent movement makes a big difference for expectant mothers, especially in the second trimester. Discover how to manage gestational health through walking."

Pregnancy is a transformative journey, but it also brings significant changes to a woman's body. One common challenge is gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a condition where blood sugar levels become elevated during pregnancy. This isn't just a temporary concern; studies show that women who experience GDM have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Preventing GDM is crucial for ensuring long-term health.

Pregnancy naturally affects how the body handles carbohydrates. The placenta, fully developed by the second trimester, produces enzymes that break down insulin, potentially leading to higher blood sugar levels. Moreover, genetic factors can make some women, particularly those of Asian descent, more susceptible to carbohydrate metabolism disorders, even without obesity.

The good news is that lifestyle adjustments, including diet and exercise, can play a significant role in managing blood sugar levels during pregnancy. While the impact of diet is well-established, the importance of physical activity is increasingly recognized. Research suggests that regular physical activity can effectively improve carbohydrate metabolism, helping to maintain healthy glucose levels.

How Does Walking Help Control Blood Sugar During Pregnancy?

Pregnant woman walking for gestational diabetes

A recent study investigated the connection between daily walking and glucose levels in pregnant women. Researchers in Tokyo, Japan, monitored the physical activity and carbohydrate metabolism of healthy pregnant women in their second trimester. Participants wore accelerometers to track their daily steps for four weeks, and their casual glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were measured.

The women were divided into two groups: those who habitually walked 6,000 steps or more per day and those who walked less. The study revealed a significant difference in casual glucose levels between the two groups. Women who walked more had lower glucose levels compared to those who walked less. Although HbA1c levels did not differ significantly, the findings suggest that daily walking can be an effective way to manage glucose levels during pregnancy.

Walking Reduces Glucose Levels: The study found that women who walked more than 6,000 steps daily had significantly lower casual glucose levels.
Simple, Manageable Activity: Walking is an accessible and easy-to-incorporate activity for most pregnant women.
Second Trimester Focus: The study specifically highlights the benefits of walking during the second trimester when the placenta is fully developed and affecting insulin levels.

These findings align with previous research indicating that physical activity improves insulin resistance, a common factor in GDM. By incorporating regular walking into their daily routine, pregnant women can potentially improve their body's ability to regulate blood sugar, reducing the risk of GDM.

The Takeaway: Small Steps, Big Impact on Pregnancy Health

This study provides encouraging evidence that daily walking can positively influence glucose levels during pregnancy. While more research is needed to explore the long-term effects and optimal intensity of walking, incorporating this simple activity into your routine is a proactive step towards a healthier pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to safely and effectively increase your daily steps.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5582/ddt.2016.01047, Alternate LINK

Title: Daily Walking Decreases Casual Glucose Level Among Pregnant Women In The Second Trimester

Subject: Pharmacology (medical)

Journal: Drug Discoveries & Therapeutics

Publisher: International Research and Cooperation Association for Bio & Socio-Sciences Advancement (IRCA-BSSA)

Authors: Ayako Hayashi, Masayo Matsuzaki, Momoko Kusaka, Mie Shiraishi, Megumi Haruna

Published: 2016-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

How does daily walking potentially affect the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during pregnancy, particularly in the second trimester?

Daily walking, particularly during the second trimester, can positively influence glucose levels. When the placenta is fully developed, it can affect insulin levels, potentially leading to GDM. The study suggests that women who walk more than 6,000 steps daily have lower casual glucose levels, indicating that regular physical activity may improve the body's ability to regulate blood sugar. This could reduce the risk of GDM. This is because physical activity improves insulin resistance. More research is needed to explore long-term effects and optimal intensity.

What specific physiological changes during the second trimester of pregnancy make managing blood sugar levels through walking particularly relevant?

During the second trimester, the placenta is fully developed and produces enzymes that break down insulin, potentially leading to higher blood sugar levels. This is a key factor in the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Walking helps to improve carbohydrate metabolism and insulin resistance. The Tokyo, Japan study monitored pregnant women in their second trimester. The study used accelerometers to track daily steps for four weeks, and the casual glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were measured to show that daily walking can be an effective way to manage glucose levels during pregnancy.

The study mentions monitoring both casual glucose and HbA1c levels. Why is measuring casual glucose levels considered important in this context, and what additional insights might HbA1c levels provide if they showed significant differences?

Casual glucose levels are important because they provide an immediate snapshot of blood sugar levels at a particular time. The study showed a significant difference in casual glucose levels between women who walked more versus those who walked less. Women who walked more than 6,000 steps daily had significantly lower casual glucose levels. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels reflect average blood sugar levels over a period of 2-3 months. If HbA1c levels had shown significant differences, it would have provided a more comprehensive view of the long-term impact of daily walking on blood sugar control. HbA1c levels did not differ significantly in this study.

Besides walking, what other lifestyle adjustments are commonly recommended to manage blood sugar levels during pregnancy, and how do they complement the benefits of walking?

Besides walking, other commonly recommended lifestyle adjustments to manage blood sugar levels during pregnancy include dietary changes. A well-balanced diet helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, complementing the benefits of walking. The article mentions that the impact of diet is well-established, but also the importance of physical activity is increasingly recognized. Both diet and exercise like walking improve carbohydrate metabolism. Genetic factors can also make some women more susceptible to carbohydrate metabolism disorders.

How many steps should a pregnant woman aim for daily during her second trimester to manage her glucose levels based on the findings?

Based on the findings, pregnant women should aim for at least 6,000 steps daily during their second trimester to help manage their glucose levels. The study showed that women who habitually walked 6,000 steps or more per day had significantly lower casual glucose levels. The women were divided into two groups: those who habitually walked 6,000 steps or more per day and those who walked less. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice, as individual needs may vary. Further research is needed to determine the optimal intensity of walking.