Affiliation:
1. Department of Medicine and Therapeutics The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong China
2. Global Center for Asian Women's Health & Bia‐Echo Asia Center for Reproductive Longevity and Equality (ACRLE), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine National University of Singapore Singapore
3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology National University of Singapore Singapore
4. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong SAR China
5. Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong China
6. Hong Kong Institute of Diabetes and Obesity The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong China
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 12‐month early postnatal lifestyle intervention program in women with gestational diabetes in a recent pregnancy.MethodsThis study was a prospective randomized intervention study conducted at a diabetes center in Hong Kong. Chinese women aged 18–45 years, who developed gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in their most recent pregnancy, were invited. Eligible women were randomized in 1:1 ratio at baseline (6–12 weeks postpartum), to standard care or lifestyle intervention (diet and physical activity) groups for 12 months. A standardized biochemistry assessment including oral glucose tolerance test, blood lipids, complete blood count, renal and liver functions, were measured at baseline and at 12‐month. Anthropometry assessment and lifestyle questionnaire were performed at various timepoints.ResultsA total of 103 women were randomized at baseline and a total of 79 women (standard care, n = 39, intervention, n = 40) completed the assessment. After the 12‐month study period, women in the intervention group had significantly lower energy intake (intervention, −497.6 ± 488.3 kcal; standard, −222.0 ± 390.0 kcal, P < 0.01) compared to the standard care group, and a trend towards greater weight reduction (intervention, −0.93 ± 4.68 kg; standard, −0.01 ± 3.12 kg, P = 0.36).ConclusionThe lifestyle intervention implemented within 3 months postpartum appeared to promote postpartum weight loss. The early postnatal lifestyle intervention program may provide an opportunity to reduce the long‐term risk of diabetes in this high‐risk population.