Systematic Review of Lifestyle Interventions for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period.
Shuyuan Huang, Cherlie Magny-Normilus, Erin McMahon and 1 others
PMID 34843670WHAT IT FOUND
Structured lifestyle programs for women with or at risk for gestational diabetes improved glucose or weight in four of seven studies; other studies showed no effects or only dietary or knowledge effects.
Key findings
01Four of seven included studies reported significant improvements in glucose regulation or weight change.
02The interventions that affected glucose regulation or weight change used goal setting and individualized care delivered in person or through multiple modes.
03Cheung et al. reported no effects, and Berry et al. and Amason et al. reported significant effects on only one outcome: dietary behavior or knowledge.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
Only seven controlled trials met inclusion criteria, four were pilot or feasibility trials, and most had fair methodologic quality. Only one randomized trial had low risk of bias, and the quasi-experimental study was low quality because of small unequal groups and no blinding information. The review searched only English-language articles, and all included studies were conducted in developed countries. Only one included study was culturally tailored, and participant race and ethnicity varied widely across studies. Attrition was greatest during early postpartum follow-up, and retention varied. Interventions differed in number of sessions, timing, components, and delivery modes.
Declared interests
The authors report no conflicts of interest or financial relationships.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that lifestyle programs reliably prevent type 2 diabetes or improve weight for all women with gestational diabetes. Only seven controlled studies were included, four reported glucose or weight improvements, and other studies reported no effects or effects on only one outcome.