Accelerometry-measured physical activity and inflammation after gestational diabetes

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Endocrinology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases long-term cardiometabolic risks for women.
• Physical activity is known to improve inflammatory profiles, but its specific impact on women with a history of GDM is unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between physical activity levels and cardiometabolic/inflammatory risk factors in women with prior GDM.
• To determine if accelerometer-measured physical activity relates to metabolic health and inflammation post-GDM.

Main Methods:

• Ninety-six women with prior GDM underwent assessments 2.9 years post-delivery.
• Physical activity was measured using accelerometers (ActiGraph GT3X) for at least 5 days, calculating time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA).
• Waist circumference, plasma inflammatory markers (cytokines), and lipid profiles were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Only 31% of participants met the recommended 150 minutes of weekly MVPA.
• No overall association was found between MVPA and metabolic measures in the entire cohort.
• In women without abdominal obesity (waist circumference <88 cm), higher MVPA correlated with lower C-reactive protein, leptin, PAI-1, and triglycerides.

Conclusions:

• Higher levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity are associated with reduced cardiometabolic risk in women with a history of GDM.
• This protective association is evident specifically in women who do not have abdominal obesity.
• The findings highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy weight alongside physical activity for long-term metabolic health after GDM.