Objectively recorded physical activity and the association with gestational diabetes

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a significant complication of pregnancy.
• Understanding modifiable risk factors like physical activity is crucial for GDM prevention.
• Objective measurement of physical activity provides more accurate data than self-reporting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between objectively measured physical activity in early gestation and the incidence of GDM.
• To determine if daily steps and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in early pregnancy are associated with GDM risk.

Main Methods:

• A population-based study including 759 healthy pregnant women in Oslo, Norway.
• Objective physical activity (light, moderate, vigorous intensity, and steps) was recorded using a SenseWear™ Armband Pro3 in early gestation (<20 weeks).
• GDM diagnosis was confirmed at 28 weeks of gestation using a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test.

Main Results:

• Women with GDM had significantly fewer objectively recorded steps per day (7964 vs 8879) and less MVPA (62 vs 75 min/day) in early gestation compared to women without GDM.
• A significant inverse association was found between daily steps in early gestation and GDM, persisting after multivariable adjustment.
• Each standard deviation increase in daily steps (3159 steps) was associated with a 19% decrease in the odds of GDM (adjusted OR = 0.81, P=0.039).

Conclusions:

• Objectively measured daily life physical activity, specifically steps per day, in early gestation is associated with a lower risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus.
• Promoting physical activity in early pregnancy may be a viable strategy for GDM prevention.
• These findings highlight the importance of objective PA assessment in understanding pregnancy outcomes.