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Mapping Lifestyle Interventions for Gestational Diabetes Prevention: A Scoping Review

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this study was to conduct a scoping review to map intervention, sample, and physiologic measurement characteristics of lifestyle interventions for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) prevention.

Recent Findings

A total of 19 studies met selection criteria from 405 articles screened (PubMed, Web of Science). No studies were US-based (47% multi-site), and all were delivered in clinical settings. The most targeted nutrition components were low carbohydrate intake (sugar rich foods/added sugars, low glycemic index), low fat intake (mainly low-fat meat, dairy, and saturated fat), and increased fruits and vegetables. Many studies promoted 150 min/week moderate-intensity physical activity. Only two studies provided supervised physical activity sessions. Dietitians and nurses were the most common implementers. Samples were characterized as adults with obesity (mean age 31 yr, BMI 31 kg/m2). Asian populations were predominantly studied. Four studies used theoretical frameworks (75% of which used Social Cognitive Theory). GDM diagnostic criteria set forth by the American Diabetes Association were the most widely used. Insulin sensitivity was commonly assessed via fasting indices.

Summary

There was a lack of multi-disciplinary, multi-level, and theory-based lifestyle interventions for reducing GDM risk. Addressing these gaps and prioritizing high-risk populations in the US with measurement of traditional and novel biomarkers will advance the field.

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Data Availability

Spreadsheets with data used in this study are publicly available at https://osf.io/gjw2n/.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to all researchers who conducted the studies that were available for review and the research participants that participated in them.

Funding

This work was funded, in part, by the Health Equity Advancing through Learning health system Research (HEAL-R) Collaborative, a partnership between IU Health’s Office of Health Equity Research and Engagement (HERE) and the Indiana University School of Medicine, generously funded by a Cook Group Incorporated Advances in Medicine (AIM) award.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Health & Wellness Design, School of Public Health in Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA

    Armando Peña, Alison M. Miller & Richard J. Holden

  2. Applied Health Sciences, School of Public Health in Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA

    Angela G. Campbell

  3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA

    Christina M. Scifres

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  1. Armando Peña
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  2. Alison M. Miller
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  3. Angela G. Campbell
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  4. Richard J. Holden
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  5. Christina M. Scifres
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Contributions

AP conceived of the study. AP and AMM served as primary reviewers and AGC as third reviewer. AP conducted the analysis and wrote the first draft of the manuscript with revisions from AMM, AGC, CMS, and RJH.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Armando Peña.

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Peña, A., Miller, A.M., Campbell, A.G. et al. Mapping Lifestyle Interventions for Gestational Diabetes Prevention: A Scoping Review. Curr Diab Rep 24, 74–83 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-024-01535-5

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