Blood Glucose Levels at Two Different Phases of Menstrual Cycle: A Study on a Group of Bengali-speaking Hindu Ethnic Populations of West Bengal, India

Abstract

Aim: We aimed to find out the blood sugar levels at two different phases of menstrual cycle and the factors associated with the change in blood sugar level at these different phases. Material and methods: A total of 60 Bengali-speaking Hindu participants, who were married, aged between 30 and 45 years, have regular menstruation, and not diagnosed as diabetic, were selected for this study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic, menstrual, reproductive, and lifestyle variables. Height (cm), weight (kg), and blood glucose level (mg/dl) were measured at two intervals of time: (a) during menstrual phase (between the 1st and 4th day) and (b) during luteal phase (between 19th and 22nd day of the cycle) following standard protocol. Bivariate analyses showed that majority of participants have increased blood glucose level at luteal phase as compared to their menstrual phase. Results: Results reveal that although BMI did not differ significantly between menstrual and luteal phases, there was a positive correlation between changed BMI value and changed blood glucose level measured during menstrual and luteal phases. Multivariate analysis revealed that blood glucose level increased with the increase in BMI level between two phases of menstrual cycle.