Pregnancy log records and management of risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus reduces its incidence

Objective To explore the preventive effect of pregnancy log records and management and the influence of maternal lifestyles on the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Design This case-control study was conducted at a hospital in Beijing, China. Population or sample A total of 348 pregnant women who underwent normal early screening for GDM were included in this study between April and November 2022. Methods All enrolled pregnant women were educated for GDM and were assigned to an observational group and a control group via a random number-generating table. The two group received routine guidance during pregnancy. The observational group kept individualized log records and management independently from 14 to 28 weeks of gestation. Main outcome measures Both groups were subjected to a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test at 24–28 weeks of gestation, and their incidence rates of GDM were compared. Results The incidence rates for GDM in the second trimester was 9.5% (15/158) in the observational group and 20.5% (34/166) in the control group, with the differences statistically significant ( p < 0.05). In terms of lifestyle, exposure to passive smoking, weight gain, the frequency of eating out and physical activity per week, and average sleep duration were independent risk factors for GDM ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Log records and management have an effective impact on reducing the incidence of GDM. Dietary habits, physical activity, sleep patterns, exposure to passive smoking, and weight gain during pregnancy were among the risk factors associated with GDM. Maternal lifestyle was a critical determinant for the occurrence.