Physical activity, sedentary behaviors and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a population-based cross-sectional study in Tianjin, China. Issue 6 (June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Leng, Junhong; Liu, Gongshu; Zhang, Cuiping; Xin, Shijuan; Chen, Fang; Li, Baojuan; Tian, Huiguang; Yu, Zhijie; Tuomilehto, Jaakko; Hu, Gang; Yang, Xilin
• Is Part Of: European journal of endocrinology. Volume 174:Issue 6(2016)
• Page Start: 763
• Page End: 773
• Publication Date: 2016-06
• Subjects: Endocrinology -- Periodicals; 616.4005
• DOI: 10.1530/EJE-15-1103
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0804-4643

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: Physical activity in a nonpregnant state or before pregnancy reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and is also associated with reduced risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, it is uncertain whether physical activity during pregnancy reduces the risk of GDM. Design and methods: Using an established universal screening system in Tianjin, China, we prospectively recruited 11 450 pregnant women within the 12th gestational week from 2010 to 2012. These women underwent a 50-g 1-h glucose challenge test (GCT) at 24–28 weeks of gestation and a 75-g 2-h oral glucose tolerance test if GCT glucose ≥7.8mmol/L. GDM was defined according to the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Group's criteria. Self-reported physical activity in the last month was collected at GCT time using a validated questionnaire. Results: GDM developed in 7.3% ( n =840) of the women. Women with GDM were less likely to be engaged in moderate-to-high physical activity during pregnancy than those without (79.8% vs 81.6%, P =0.191). Moderate-to-high physical activity during pregnancy was associated with decreased risk of GDM (multivariable odds ratio (OR): 0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.67–0.97). Sitting at home for 2–4h per day and >4h per day were associated with significantly increased risk of GDM (multivariable OR of sitting time for 2–4h vs <2h: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.18–2.15; OR of sitting time for >4h vs <2h: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.22–2.43). Conclusions: Increased physical activity during pregnancy was associated with reduced GDM risk, whereas sedentary lifestyle was associated with increased GDM risk among Chinese pregnant women.