“Optimal Physical Activity Cut-off Value” For Preventing Gdm Among Pregnant Women In Beijing

Abstract

The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has rapidly risen during the past decade, and it is considered that GDM contributes to the increasing risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Physical activity has been reported to be beneficial in improving pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with GDM, however, there is a lack of evidence-based recommended amounts of physical activity specific for preventing GDM among Chinese pregnant women. PURPOSE: The study aims to explore the “optimal physical activity cut-off value” for preventing GDM among pregnant women in Beijing, preparing to provide scientific basis for future research of personalized exercise prescription. METHODS: A total of 321 pregnant women who took regular prenatal examination in outpatient clinics were finally chosen into the study, including 59 patients with GDM and 262 controls. General information and clinical data of each participant was collected through electronic medical record system, physical activity data was investigated using the short form of International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQ), and physical activity level was calculated bases on the standard methods. Difference in means for continuous variables were compared using t-test, and differences in proportions were tested by chi-square test, ROC curve analysis was conducted to screen the “optimal physical activity cut-off value.” RESULTS: Compared with control group, average age (31.62 ± 2.95 vs 29.90 ± 3.34 yrs,t=3.63, P<0.05) , the proportion of participants with low education level (25.42% vs 8.78%, χ2=19.31, P<0.05) and overweight or obese before pregnancy (38.98% vs 24.05%, χ2=7.19, P<0.05) in GDM group are significantly higher. The area under the ROC curve is 0.82(0.77~0.86)(P<0.05), and the “optimal physical activiry cut-off value” is 834 MET*min per week. CONCLUSIONS: Older age, lower education level and overweight or obese before pregnancy contributes to the risk of GDM. It is recommended that physical activity level of more than 834 MET*min per week, accordingly walking no less than 36 minutes per day is beneficial to reduce the risk of GDM.