Diabetes risk status and physical activity in pregnancy: U.S. BRFSS 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017

Abstract

Background Pregnant women without complications are advised to engage in physical activity (PA) to mitigate adverse outcomes. Differences may exist among pregnant women of diverging diabetes status in meeting national PA recommendations. We sought to examine differences in aerobic activity (AA) and muscle strengthening activity (MSA) by diabetes risk status (DRS) among pregnant women in the United States. Methods The sample (n = 9,597) included pregnant women, age 18–44 years, who participated in the 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Levels of DRS include: no diabetes (ND), high risk for diabetes (HRD) due to self-reported gestational diabetes or pre-diabetes, and overt diabetes due to self-reported, clinically diagnosed diabetes (DM). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for meeting PA recommendations were obtained. Covariates included age, race, education, household child count, alcohol consumption, and smoking status. Results Findings revealed that on average, DM had 46.5 fewer minutes of weekly AA compared to ND. Furthermore, a significantly lower OR (0.39; CI 0.19–0.82) for meeting both recommendations was observed in DM as compared to ND after adjustment. Conclusions We observed that pregnant women with overt diabetes had a lower odds of engaging in PA, while those at high risk were similar in their PA engagement to ND. Future studies aimed at assessing determinants of PA behavior may help guide efforts to promote exercise in pregnant women with diabetes.

Diabetes risk status and meeting the US physical activity recommendations in reproductive‐aged women: 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System

“…This study is novel in its focus on reproductive-aged women in the United States at risk for diabetes who stand to benefit from increasing PA, particularly MSA, as evidence suggests MSA may improve glucose regulation and meeting the MSA recommendation was rare in this study and other studies of pregnant women, older women and mixed ages. 16,26,30 Our study highlights an opportunity for diabetes risk reduction in women of a reproductive age, which could impact the quality of life of women and their families, the economic burden of diabetes and the health of future generations.…”

“…A series of four questions were asked about alcohol consumption to ascertain number of drinks per day, week and month, which led to the dichotomous heavy drinking variable that categorized 'heavy drinking' (more than seven alcoholic beverages per week) and 'non-heavy drinking/non-drinker'. 16 The question 'Have you smoked at least 100 cigarettes in your entire life?' was used to identify previous or current smokers and never-smokers.…”

Physical Activity as a Modern Intervention in the Fight against Obesity-Related Inflammation in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Gestational Diabetes

“…As mentioned before, the ACOG recommends the performance of moderate aerobic exercise for 30 min or more, on most weekdays, with a pause of no longer than 48 h for improved glycaemic control [ 160 , 161 ]. The American Department of Health and Human Services (DHHA) recommends at least 150 min of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, avoiding the supine position and high fall risk sports like horseback riding.…”

“…The American Department of Health and Human Services (DHHA) recommends at least 150 min of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, avoiding the supine position and high fall risk sports like horseback riding. According to a recent study, only 15% of pregnant women are physically active [ 161 ]. With regard to pregnant women in the USA, 60% are not engaging in leisure time PA and those who are exercising decrease the amount of PA progressively from the first to the last trimester [ 162 , 163 , 164 , 165 ].…”

Effectiveness of a Virtual Exercise Program During COVID-19 Confinement on Blood Pressure Control in Healthy Pregnant Women

“…Indeed, hypertensive complications during pregnancy remain a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality ( Amro and Sibai, 2020 ) and may remain 5–15 years following delivery ( Bellamy et al, 2007 ). Many studies have shown that a sedentary lifestyle and decreased movement are determinants of multiple deleterious complications, especially cardiovascular complications ( Rand et al, 2020 ; Yong et al, 2020 ).…”