A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of an early postnatal lifestyle modification program on diet, adiposity and metabolic outcome in mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Objective: The 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. Methods: This 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. Results: A 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). Conclusion: The 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. Synopsis: The lifestyle intervention program implemented within 3 months postpartum was acceptable and appeared to promote postpartum weight loss for women with GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]