Lifestyle intervention to prevent gestational diabetes mellitus and adverse maternal outcomes among pregnant women at high risk for gestational diabetes mellitus

Objective We assessed the effects of a lifestyle intervention on gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) incidence and risk of adverse maternal outcomes among pregnant women at high risk for GDM. Methods From July to December 2018, we enrolled 1822 eligible pregnant women; of these, 304 had at least one risk factor for GDM. Participants were randomly allocated to the intervention or control group. Usual prenatal care was offered to both groups; the intervention group also received individually modified education on diet, physical activity, and weight control. The GDM diagnosis was based on an oral glucose tolerance test at 24-28 gestational weeks. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the effects of the lifestyle intervention on risk of GDM and adverse maternal outcomes. Results A total of 281 women (139 in the intervention group and 142 controls) were included. Incidences of GDM and adverse maternal outcomes were all significantly lower in the intervention than in the control group. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that women in the intervention group had a lower risk of GDM and adverse maternal outcomes, after adjusting potential confounding factors. Conclusion The present lifestyle intervention was associated with lower risks of GDM and adverse maternal outcomes.