Background Few studies have investigated physical activity (PA) and sedentary
behavior (SB) in relation to fasting (FG) and 2-h postprandial plasma glucose
(2hPG) levels and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); we investigated these
associations among Asian pregnant women. Methods As part of the Growing Up in
Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes cohort study, PA and SB (sitting and
television times) were assessed by interviewer-administered questionnaire.
During 75 g oral glucose tolerance tests at 26–28 weeks’ gestation we measured
FG, 2hPG levels and GDM (FG ≥ 7.0 mmol/L and/or 2hPG ≥ 7.8 mmol/L).
Associations were analysed by multiple linear and logistic regression. Results
Among the 1083 women studied, 18.6% had GDM. SB was not associated with FG,
2hPG and GDM. Higher categories of PA were associated with lower 2hPG and a
lower likelihood of GDM (p-trend < 0.05), but not with FG levels. Compared to
insufficiently active women, highly active women had lower 2hPG levels [β (95%
CI): -0.32 (−0.59, −0.05), p = 0.020) and were less likely to have GDM [OR:
0.56 (0.32–0.98), p = 0.040]. Stratified analysis revealed no associations
among under/normal-weight women, but significant associations among
overweight/obese women; in those with BMI ≥23 kg/m2, sufficiently active and
highly active women were less likely to have GDM [OR: 0.52, (0.29–0.93), p =
0.028, and OR: 0.34, (0.15–0.77), p = 0.010, respectively]. Conclusion Higher
PA was associated with lower 2hPG levels and a lower prevalence of GDM,
particularly in overweight/obese women. Further studies are warranted to
confirm these findings, and to examine the effectiveness of PA promotion
strategies for the prevention of gestational hyperglycemia
