Older women and exercise: theory of planned behavior beliefs

Despite well-documented benefits of exercise, aging women remain largely sedentary. Further understanding of beliefs associated with exercise could result in more-effective public health interventions to increase exercise in this vulnerable population. This study examined the relationships between theory of planned behavior constructs and exercise behavior and exercise intention in older women. Constructs from the theory of planned behavior (behavioral beliefs, perceived control beliefs, and normative beliefs) were examined in a sample of 225 women aged 65 and older. Exercise was measured with the Baecke Physical Activity Scale. All women were interviewed, to prevent literacy and vision problems from hampering participation. Significant predictors of exercise behavior were perceived control beliefs and behavioral beliefs. Significant predictors of exercise intentions were perceived control beliefs, behavioral beliefs, and normative beliefs. Specific belief items predicting exercise behavior were that exercise is good for health and that exercise is difficult because of tiredness, as well as the lack of commitment and time. These findings provide partial support for the application of the theory of planned behavior to exercise in older women. The findings suggest that interventions should focus on increasing women's confidence that they can overcome barriers to exercise.     

Early postpartum metabolic assessment in women with prior gestational diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To present the results of early postpartum metabolic assessment in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), to determine predictive factors for subsequent diabetes, and to investigate the association of postpartum glucose tolerance with other components of the metabolic syndrome. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 788 women were evaluated 3-6 months after a GDM pregnancy. A 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed. Cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood pressure, BMI, and body fat distribution were assessed. Clinical and obstetric history, baseline variables at the diagnosis of GDM, metabolic control during pregnancy, and index pregnancy outcome were compared in women with diabetes and women without diabetes (American Diabetes Association [ADA] criteria) after pregnancy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to ascertain independent predictors of subsequent diabetes. Correlation coefficients were assessed between postpartum glucose tolerance and lipid levels, blood pressure, BMI, and body fat distribution. RESULTS: According to ADA criteria, 588 (74.6%) women were normal, 46 (5.8%) had impaired fasting glucose, 82 (10.4%) had impaired glucose tolerance, 29 (3.7%) had both impaired fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance, and 43 (5.4%) had diabetes. Prepregnancy obesity, recurrence of GDM, gestational age at diagnosis of GDM, glucose values in the 100-g OGTT, number of abnormal values in the 100-g OGTT, fasting C-peptide levels in pregnancy, C-peptide/glucose score in pregnancy, insulin requirement in pregnancy, 3rd trimester HbA1c levels, and macrosomia differed significantly in women with subsequent diabetes. Independent predictors of postpartum diabetes were prepregnancy obesity, C-peptide/glucose score during pregnancy, and the number of abnormal values in the 100-g diagnostic OGTT. The area under the postpartum glucose curve was positively associated with BMI, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, triglycerides, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures. CONCLUSIONS: Low C-peptide/glucose score during pregnancy together with prepregnancy obesity and severity of GDM (number of abnormal values in the 100-g diagnostic OGTT) are independent predictors of subsequent diabetes. Our data suggest that regardless of obesity and severity of GDM, a beta-cell defect increases the risk of postpartum diabetes. The association of postpartum glucose tolerance with triglyceride levels, blood pressure, obesity, and regional distribution of body fat suggests that postpartum glucose intolerance anticipates a high-risk cardiovascular profile that comprises other risk factors besides diabetes.     

Depression and diet-related distress among Japanese women with gestational diabetes mellitus

Although the association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and maternal postpartum depression has been reported, the association between these two factors during pregnancy has not been sufficiently examined. We compared pregnant women with and without GDM to clarify the association and examined factors related to depression in pregnant women with GDM. Questionnaires were administered longitudinally to pregnant Japanese women in the third trimester and at 2 and 4 weeks postpartum. One hundred and five and 108 pregnant women with and without GDM, respectively, were included in the study. Of the 105 women with GDM, 20 (19.0%) reported being depressed during pregnancy, which was significantly higher than that among those without GDM (9.3%). Binomial logistic regression analysis revealed that depression was significantly positively associated with diet-related distress and negatively associated with social support among women with GDM. Diet-related distress and social support are important factors in managing depression in pregnant women with GDM.     

Postpartum physical activity and related psychosocial factors among women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we examined patterns of postpartum physical activity among women with recent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and psychosocial factors related to this behavior that could be addressed in diabetes prevention interventions. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A random sample of women who had attended diabetes clinics in Sydney, Australia, in the past 6-24 months for treatment of GDM were surveyed by telephone. Variables measured included physical activity behaviors, self-efficacy, social support, and barriers to participation. RESULTS: Of 226 women who completed the survey (mean age 33.4 years), 26.5% were classified as sedentary, and only 33.6% reported sufficient physical activity as recommended by health authorities. Walking was the most popular physical activity, and most women reported no other moderate- or vigorous-intensity activity. Lack of assistance with child care (49.1%) and insufficient time (37.6%) were the most common barriers to physical activity. The type of social support most often reported was verbal encouragement (39.1%), with more than half of the women never receiving assistance with housework or others exercising with them. Self-efficacy for physical activity was lowest when women were under time pressure or tired. Multivariate analyses showed that sufficient physical activity was associated with high social support (odds ratio 2.5 [95% CI 1.21-3.79]) and high self-efficacy (2.09 [1.06-3.20]). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of sufficient physical activity was found to be low and strongly related to social support and self-efficacy. This is an important group to whom diabetes prevention strategies can be targeted.     

Older Women's Beliefs About Physical Activity

ABSTRACT Physical activity may contribute to important health and well-being outcomes among older adults. Efforts to understand determinants of physical activity are necessary to plan effective interventions. The theory of planned behavior has been successfully applied to a variety of health behaviors. Previous research using the theory of planned behavior has not addressed beliefs about overall physical activity among communitydwelling older women. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 30 older women to identify behavioral beliefs, perceived control beliefs, and normative beliefs, which influence physical activity decisions. Content analyses of responses revealed three major themes: social influences on physical activity, psychosocial benefits of activity, and joint problems and fatigue as factors that interfere with activity. These findings about physical activity were compared with published findings about episodic exercise among 30 similar women who took part in an episodic exercise study. The result was the discovery that the women in this study talked about physical activity as embedded in their social lives while the women in the episodic exercise study viewed exercise as separate from their daily lives. These findings of beliefs about overall physical activity suggest a social model may be useful in planning public health interventions to increase activity among older women.     

妊娠期糖尿病孕妇产后转归及保健情况调查

目的：了解妊娠期糖尿病（GDM）孕妇产后2年转归情况、保健现状和产后保健需求,为完善GDM孕妇产后保健、减少不良转归提供参考。方法：通过便利抽样对2年内在天津市某三级甲等医院产科分娩的妊娠期糖尿病孕妇产后转归现状及保健需求进行问卷调查。结果：13.6%GDM孕妇出现产后体质量滞留;56.5%GDM孕妇产后从未监测过血糖,4.2%GDM孕妇在产后不同时间出现了糖耐量受损,1例GDM孕妇产后2年内已确诊2型糖尿病;59.7%GDM孕妇在产后42天内进行了产后保健,34.6%GDM孕妇从未进行过产后保健,36.1%GDM孕妇没有得到任何相关专业人士的指导;GDM孕妇更希望由妇产科医生、助产士、社区保健医生通过孕妇学校课程、宣传手册、微信公众号等线上形式提供新生儿保健指导、膳食指导、运动指导、主要照护者健康教育等保健内容。结论：目前GDM孕妇对血糖变化重视程度较低,自我监测意识较差;产后保健不够系统、规范,未来应进一步加强筛查与管理,以减少GDM产后不良转归的发生。     

Factors related to women's practice of breast self-examination

Factors related to women's practice of breast self-examination (BSE) were studied in a sample of upper-middle-class women attending meetings of voluntary women's groups. Factors found to relate directly to frequency of BSE practice were high perceived benefits of BSE, low perceived barriers to BSE, and high self-concept. Correlations with perceived susceptibility/seriousness of breast cancer, age, perceived level of social support, and social network properties were not significant. A multiple regression analysis was done with BSE frequency as criterion variable: perceived threat (susceptibility/seriousness) and perceived benefits minus perceived barriers were entered hierarchically; age, self-concept, and total social support were entered as a group. Perceived benefits minus barriers was the only significant predictor variable, R2 = .27. These findings underline the importance of assessing detective behaviors such as BSE as potentially different from preventive behaviors.     

Preconception care & pregnancy planning: voices of African American women

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the intersection of women's pregnancy planning beliefs with preconception care barriers. We assessed the meaning of "planned pregnancy" for African American women and explored its connection to preconception experiences. The role of race and economics as contextualizing women's experiences was considered. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS: African American women (n = 168) recruited from health department sites discussed the following questions: "What does the term 'planned pregnancy' mean?" "Would you describe your most recent pregnancy as planned?" Substantive themes were extracted using phenomenological methodology. RESULTS: The following themes emerged: (1) Preconception care: An unfamiliar concept; (2) Planning for pregnancy: A continuum of responses; (3) The psychology of conception: Attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors; (4) The shared nature of pregnancy: It takes two to plan; (5) Birth control: The means to the end; and (6) The context of preconception care: The big picture. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Nurses who care for women in the childbearing years should understand that planning for pregnancy is not a simple cognitive process, and that race and economics play a role in women's beliefs about pregnancy. Preconception care also encompasses the contexts of family, public health, and society. Linking preconception care with all medical encounters is an important but insufficient approach. Nurses should apply their understanding of the biopsychosocial dimensions of health in support of the goals of preconception healthcare. Holistic nursing and public health perspectives should be considered to broaden the scope of preconception interventions and more effectively address social factors that influence preconception care.     

Gestational diabetes and the incidence of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE: To examine factors associated with variation in the risk for type 2 diabetes in women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature review of articles published between January 1965 and August 2001, in which subjects underwent testing for GDM and then testing for type 2 diabetes after delivery. We abstracted diagnostic criteria for GDM and type 2 diabetes, cumulative incidence of type 2 diabetes, and factors that predicted incidence of type 2 diabetes. RESULTS: A total of 28 studies were examined. After the index pregnancy, the cumulative incidence of diabetes ranged from 2.6% to over 70% in studies that examined women 6 weeks postpartum to 28 years postpartum. Differences in rates of progression between ethnic groups was reduced by adjustment for various lengths of follow-up and testing rates, so that women appeared to progress to type 2 diabetes at similar rates after a diagnosis of GDM. Cumulative incidence of type 2 diabetes increased markedly in the first 5 years after delivery and appeared to plateau after 10 years. An elevated fasting glucose level during pregnancy was the risk factor most commonly associated with future risk of type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Conversion of GDM to type 2 diabetes varies with the length of follow-up and cohort retention. Adjustment for these differences reveals rapid increases in the cumulative incidence occurring in the first 5 years after delivery for different racial groups. Targeting women with elevated fasting glucose levels during pregnancy may prove to have the greatest effect for the effort required.     

Diabetes and abnormal glucose tolerance in women with previous gestational diabetes

OBJECTIVE: In Spanish women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), we aimed to study the progression to diabetes and abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) and identify predictive factors. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In 696 women with GDM and 70 control women, glucose tolerance was evaluated postpartum and at 5-year intervals. RESULTS: In the GDM group, the cumulative risk for diabetes and AGT was 13.8 and 42.4% after 11 years compared with 0 and 2.8% in control women, respectively (P < 0.05). Independent predictive factors for diabetes were previous hyperglycemia, four abnormal glucose values on the diagnostic oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) or overt diabetes during pregnancy, 2-h blood glucose on the diagnostic OGTT >/=11.7 mmol/l, gestational age at diagnosis <24 weeks, and prepregnancy BMI >/=26.4 kg/m(2). All of these factors (some with different cutoff points) in addition to fasting glycemia were predictors of AGT also. The risk was nonlinear. Four abnormal glucose values on the diagnostic OGTT or overt diabetes during pregnancy was the strongest predictive factor for diabetes (relative risk 3.92), and prepregnancy BMI was the predictive factor with the highest attributable fraction in the whole group (13.3%). When first postpartum OGTT data were included in the analysis, predictors changed, but the overall prediction was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Spanish women with GDM have an increased risk of diabetes and AGT. Predictive factors display a nonlinear relationship. The strongest predictive factor for diabetes was four abnormal glucose values on the diagnostic OGTT or overt diabetes during pregnancy; the factor with the highest attributable fraction in the whole group was prepregnancy BMI.     

Tailored interventions to enhance osteoporosis prevention in women

PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if tailored nursing interventions based on personal knowledge of bone mineral density from a dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry cause increases in knowledge of osteoporosis, health beliefs, or osteoporosis-prevention behaviors in postmenopausal women 50-65 years of age, 6 months after the intervention. METHOD: The design for this pilot study was a two group quasi-experimental design. The treatment group received a tailored intervention; the control group did not. Outcome data were gathered at 6 months after dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. The tailored intervention was designed and given to each woman via telephone using her dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry results and osteoporosis questionnaire data that addressed her knowledge of osteoporosis and osteoporosis-prevention behaviors of calcium intake, exercise, smoking, and alcohol use. A written mailed copy of the intervention followed the telephone interview. Six months after the intervention, the women were mailed another osteoporosis questionnaire to determine if the tailored intervention made a difference in the outcome variables. SAMPLE: A total 124 women between the ages of 50 and 65 (101 control, 23 treatment) comprised the sample. RESULTS: There was no difference in knowledge between groups. On the average, there were significantly more perceived barriers to calcium in the tailored group (mean = 13.48) than in the nontailored group (mean = 11.55) (t = 2.147; df = 122; p = .034). There were significantly more perceived barriers to exercise in the tailored group (mean = 14.39) than in the nontailored group (mean = 12.21) (t = .144; df = 122; p = .034). Daily calcium intake increased in both the tailored and the nontailored groups. The tailored intervention increased women's daily calcium intake from 614.28 to 1039.10 mg (t = -2.896; df = 22; p = .008). The nontailored group daily calcium intake increased from 587.91 to 916.30 mg (t = -3.541; df = 100; p = .001); there was no significant difference between the groups. Weight-bearing exercise behaviors decreased from 96.04 minutes to 59.2 minutes in the tailored group but increased slightly in the nontailored group from 81.47 to 87.26 minutes of exercise. CONCLUSION: Tailored interventions increased women's perceived barriers to calcium and exercise. Both groups increased calcium intake. The mixed findings of increased perception of barriers to calcium and exercise and decreased exercise behaviors indicate the need for further study. This important intervention has implications for orthopaedic nurses and healthcare professionals involved in health promotion and prevention of osteoporosis.     

The role of exercise in the African-American woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus: application of the health belief model

PURPOSE: To determine whether aging African-American women with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus who maintain a regular exercise regimen possess different health beliefs and benefit from greater glycemic control than those who do not exercise regularly. DATA SOURCES: A 32-item health belief model diabetes scale was administered to a convenience sample of 31 African-American women with type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: A group t-test identified statistically significant differences between "exercisers" and "non-exercisers" in perceived benefits and barriers to exercise and glycemic control. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Findings may be utilized in the development of diabetic educational programs and compliance-enhancing treatment interventions that focus on the barriers and benefits of diabetes self-management.     

A pregnancy and postpartum lifestyle intervention in women with gestational diabetes mellitus reduces diabetes risk factors: a feasibility randomized control trial

OBJECTIVE

To pilot, among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), the feasibility of a prenatal/postpartum intervention to modify diet and physical activity similar to the Diabetes Prevention Program. The intervention was delivered by telephone, and support for breastfeeding was addressed.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The goal was to help women return to their prepregnancy weight, if it was normal, or achieve a 5% reduction from prepregnancy weight if overweight. Eligible participants were identified shortly after a GDM diagnosis; 83.8% consented to be randomly assigned to intervention or usual medical care (96 and 101 women, respectively). The retention was 85.2% at 12 months postpartum.

RESULTS

The proportion of women who reached the postpartum weight goal was higher, although not statistically significant, in the intervention condition than among usual care (37.5 vs. 21.4%, absolute difference 16.1%, P = 0.07). The intervention was more effective among women who did not exceed the recommended gestational weight gain (difference in the proportion of women meeting the weight goals: 22.5%, P = 0.04). The intervention condition decreased dietary fat intake more than the usual care (condition difference in the mean change in percent of calories from fat: −3.6%, P = 0.002) and increased breastfeeding, although not significantly (condition difference in proportion: 15.0%, P = 0.09). No differences in postpartum physical activity were observed between conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that a lifestyle intervention that starts during pregnancy and continues postpartum is feasible and may prevent pregnancy weight retention and help overweight women lose weight. Strategies to help postpartum women overcome barriers to increasing physical activity are needed.Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is glucose intolerance with onset or first diagnosis during pregnancy (1). GDM complicates between 7–14% of pregnancies in the U.S. (1), and its incidence has increased 35–100% (2). A history of GDM is one of the strongest risk factors for type 2 diabetes (3). Among women with a history of GDM, the cumulative risk of developing type 2 diabetes at 10 years postpartum ranges from 20 to 50% (4,5). There is strong evidence from efficacy trials in at-risk individuals (6–8) that type 2 diabetes is preventable by lifestyle interventions focusing on weight management.Despite this evidence, no lifestyle interventions for diabetes prevention starting during pregnancy and continuing postpartum have been translated for use in women with GDM. There are several reasons for starting an intervention soon after the diagnosis of GDM. First, women who exceed the Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines for gestational weight gain (GWG) retain twice as much weight compared with women who gain within the recommendations (9), and this is associated with an increased likelihood of long-term obesity (9–11). Second, a lifestyle intervention that starts soon after the diagnosis of GDM takes advantage of the “teachable moment” of pregnancy; women with GDM may be concerned about their children’s increased risk of adverse health outcomes and their own increased risk of diabetes, which could motivate the adoption of preventive behaviors. Third, GDM patients’ frequent interactions with the health care system during and after pregnancy present an opportunity for such an intervention to be adopted by the health care system. However, participation in such an intervention may not be feasible for women with young children who are also likely to work outside home.The aim of this randomized pilot trial was to evaluate the feasibility of a lifestyle intervention initiated soon after the diagnosis of GDM and continuing postpartum. The primary goals of the intervention were to help women return to their pregravid weight if normal weight before pregnancy or achieve a 5% reduction from their pregravid weight if overweight or obese before pregnancy. The intervention curriculum was adapted from the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) (12) but delivered primarily by telephone (instead of individual, in-person counseling sessions) to make it more accessible to pregnant and postpartum women and feasible for the health care system.     

Women With High-Risk Pregnancies, Problems, and APN Interventions

PURPOSE: To (a) describe women's prenatal and postpartum problems and advanced practice nurses (APN) interventions; and (b) determine if problems and APN interventions differed by women's medical diagnosis (diabetes, hypertension, preterm labor). DESIGN AND METHODS: Content analysis of 85 interaction logs created by APNs during a randomized clinical trial in which half of physician-provided prenatal care was substituted with APN-provided prenatal care in the women's homes. Patients' problems and APN interventions were classified with the Omaha Classification System. FINDINGS: A total of 212,835 health problems and 212,835 APN interventions were identified. The dominant antenatal problems were physiologic (59.2%) and health-related behaviors (33.3%); postpartum were physiologic (44.0%) and psychosocial problems (31.6%). Antenatally, women with diabetes had significantly more health-related behavior problems; women with preterm labor had more physiologic problems. APN surveillance interventions predominated antenatally (65.6%) and postpartum (66.0%), followed by health teaching, guidance, and counseling both antenatally (25.4%) and postpartum (28.1%). Women with chronic hypertension required significantly more case-management interventions. CONCLUSIONS: The categories of women's problems were largely similar across medical diagnostic groups. Interventions to address women's problems ranged from assessing maternal and fetal physiologic states to teaching interpersonal relationships and self-care management to assisting with transportation and housing. Data show the range of APN knowledge and skills needed to improve maternal and infant outcomes and ultimately reduce healthcare costs in women with high-risk pregnancies.     

连续护理对妊娠期糖尿病患者妊娠结局的干预效果研究

目的探讨连续护理对妊娠期糖尿病（GDM）患者妊娠结局的干预效果。方法选取在产科门诊经OGTT试验确诊为GDM,并在我院产检、分娩的患者160例,分为干预组和对照组,每组各80例。对照组采用传统护理;干预组在传统护理的基础上采用个体化连续护理干预方案,合理应用教育指导、饮食疗法、适度运动锻炼、血糖监测和用药指导等干预,并对出院后的患者进行全程管理。统计两组孕妇孕期及产后并发症和新生儿并发症的发生率以及产后42d血糖控制情况,作为评价GDM患者妊娠结局的观察指标。在完成全程管理、结束本次连续护理的研究计划时,让患者自行填写糖尿病患者生存质量特异性量表（DQOL）。结果两组孕妇孕期及产后并发症和新生儿并发症发生率、血糖控制情况以及DQOL结果显示,干预组均显著优于对照组。结论连续护理应用于GDM患者,可有效提高妊娠质量,改善妊娠结局。     

Gestational diabetes mellitus: is a diagnosis associated with an increase in maternal anxiety and stress in the short and intermediate term?

OBJECTIVE: To examine anxiety levels of women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to compare these with glucose-tolerant (GT) women at similar stages of pregnancy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Prospective longitudinal study conducted on 50 women with GDM and 50 GT women. All women completed the Mental Health Inventory (MHI-5) forms and the Speilberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) at the beginning of the third trimester, antepartum, and 6 weeks postpartum. Specific questions were also assessed using a Likert scale. RESULTS: Women with GDM, compared with GT women, had a higher level of anxiety (state rather than trait) at the time of the first assessment. However, before delivery and in the postpartum period, there were no significant differences in anxiety scores between the two groups. Women in both groups were positive about being tested for GDM and wished to be tested during future pregnancies. CONCLUSIONS: There were no sustained increased levels of anxiety for women diagnosed with GDM. Concerns expressed about causing sustained maternal anxiety by testing for GDM could not be substantiated.     

Protein metabolism in insulin-treated gestational diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that protein metabolism is not totally normalized in insulin treated gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) patients compared with normal, pregnant control subjects. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Protein metabolism in eight Hispanic women with insulin-treated GDM and eight healthy Hispanic control women was studied in late gestation and at 6 weeks postpartum. Nitrogen flux was assessed from the disposal rate of [15N]-labeled urea over 12 h after a dose of [15N]-labeled leucine. Plasma amino acid concentrations were determined in fasting and 2-h postprandial samples using an amino acid analyzer. RESULTS: Protein turnover was normalized in insulin-treated GDM; however, fasting and postprandial plasma amino acids were elevated antepartum and postpartum. Nitrogen flux was significantly lower during pregnancy (P = 0.04-0.001) and did not differ between groups. Fasting and postprandial plasma amino acids were elevated in GDM antepartum and postpartum, despite satisfactory glycemic control. Fasting levels of taurine, hydroxyproline, glutamic acid, glutamine, cystine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, and histidine were higher in GDM antepartum and postpartum (P < 0.05). Postprandial concentrations of taurine, hydroxyproline, valine, cystine, isoleucine, leucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, ornithine, lysine, histidine, and arginine were higher in GDM antepartum and postpartum (P < 0.05). With few exceptions, plasma amino acid concentrations were lower antepartum than postpartum (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Protein turnover was normalized in insulin-treated women with GDM; however, fasting and postprandial plasma concentrations of amino acids were elevated in the antepartum and postpartum periods, despite satisfactory maternal glycemic control.     

南充地区妊娠期糖尿病危险因素及妊娠结局分析

目的 探讨南充地区妊娠期糖尿病(gestational diabetes mellitus,GDM)的危险因素及妊娠结局,为南充地区育龄妇女GDM防治提供参考依据。方法 选取2018年7月1日至2019年9月30日在川北医学院附属医院产检并住院分娩的孕产妇1 800例,其中确诊GDM 537例(GDM组),血糖正常1 263例(NGT组),分析GDM的发病率、危险因素及妊娠结局。结果 南充地区GDM发病率为29.83%。年龄、居住地、产前体重指数(body mass index,BMI)、多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)、乙型病毒性肝炎表面抗原(HBsAg)、妊娠期高血压疾病(HDP)、妊娠期甲状腺功能、瘢痕子宫、体外受精(IVF)、流产史及分娩史与GDM发病相关;GDM与剖宫产、HDP、妊娠期肝内胆汁淤积症(ICP)、产后出血、早产、巨大儿发病相关(均P<0.05)。年龄、居住地、产前BMI、PCOS、HBsAg、HDP、妊娠期甲状腺功能、IVF及流产史是GDM发病的危险因素;GDM是剖宫产、HDP、ICP、产后出血及巨大儿发病的危险因素(均P<0.05)。结论 南充地区GDM发病率可能与年龄、居住地、产前BMI、PCOS、HBsAg、HDP、妊娠期甲状腺功能、IVF及流产史有密切联系;GDM孕产妇剖宫产、HDP、ICP、产后出血及分娩巨大儿的风险较高。     

Postpartum metabolic function in women delivering a macrosomic infant in the absence of gestational diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with fetal macrosomia and maternal postpartum dysglycemia, insulin resistance, and β-cell dysfunction. Indeed, in practice, a prior pregnancy that resulted in a large-for-gestational-age (LGA) delivery is often considered presumptive evidence of GDM, whether or not it was diagnosed at the time. If this clinical assumption is correct, however, we would expect these women to exhibit postpartum metabolic dysfunction. Thus, to test this hypothesis, we assessed metabolic function during and after pregnancy in a cohort of women stratified according to the presence/absence of GDM and LGA delivery, respectively.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 562 women underwent metabolic characterization, including oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), in late pregnancy and at 3 months’ postpartum. The women were stratified into three groups: those with neither GDM nor LGA delivery (nonGDM, n = 364), those without GDM but with LGA delivery (nonGDM–LGA, n = 46), and those with GDM (n = 152).

RESULTS

On logistic regression, GDM predicted postpartum glucose intolerance (OR 4.1 [95% CI 2.5–6.8]; P < 0.0001), whereas nonGDM–LGA did not (P = 0.65). At 3 months’ postpartum, the mean adjusted levels of fasting glucose and area under the glucose curve on the OGTT were significantly higher in the GDM women compared with either nonGDM or nonGDM–LGA (all P < 0.05), with no differences between the latter two groups. In a similar manner, mean adjusted insulin sensitivity (Matsuda index) and β-cell function (Insulin Secretion-Sensitivity Index-2) were lower in GDM women compared with either nonGDM or nonGDM–LGA (all P < 0.05), again with no differences between the latter two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with nonGDM–LGA do not exhibit postpartum metabolic dysfunction, arguing against the assumption of undiagnosed GDM in these patients.Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have an increased risk of both obstetrical complications during pregnancy (largely due to excessive fetal growth) and the development of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in the years after delivery (1). Chronic insulin resistance and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction during and after pregnancy play a role in both of these risks (1). Specifically, these women have a chronic β-cell defect such that they are unable to compensate appropriately for the severe insulin resistance of late pregnancy and, thus, develop the gestational hyperglycemia by which GDM is diagnosed. If this maternal hyperglycemia is not treated with glucose-lowering therapy (i.e., diet or insulin), it can lead to fetal hyperglycemia and resultant fetal hyperinsulinemia, the anabolic effects of which will cause macrosomia (2). After the pregnancy, these women have an increased risk of developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes owing to progressive worsening of their β-cell defect against a background of chronic insulin resistance (1). Thus, clinical hallmarks of GDM include fetal macrosomia and maternal postpartum dysglycemia, insulin resistance, and β-cell dysfunction.In clinical practice, a previous pregnancy that resulted in the delivery of a large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infant is often considered to be a risk factor for GDM in a subsequent pregnancy (3–5). The rationale is that the previous LGA delivery is considered to be presumptive evidence of GDM complicating that pregnancy, whether or not it was diagnosed at the time. Inherent in this practice is the assumption that GDM was not detected because of either the absence of GDM screening during that pregnancy or its development later in gestation after the time of screening. In this context, we reasoned that if this clinical assumption is correct, then these women should display postpartum metabolic dysfunction, as would be found in women with established GDM. Thus, to test this hypothesis, our objective in this study was to systematically compare and contrast the postpartum metabolic function of women who have delivered an LGA infant in the absence of diagnosed GDM with 1) women with established GDM (who therefore have metabolic dysfunction) and 2) women with neither GDM nor LGA delivery (who represent normal control subjects).     

Health beliefs, health locus of control, and women's mammography behavior

Research has shown that routine mammography screening can significantly reduce mortality from breast cancer. The use of mammography screening, however, remains well below national goals. In an effort to understand the factors that influence women's mammography behaviors, this study explored the relation between health beliefs, locus of control, and women's mammography practice. Survey instruments used were Champion's health belief scales and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scales. The study used a convenience sample of 25 African Americans and 72 white women ages 35 to 84. Findings showed that women who participated in mammography screening were significantly more likely to perceive greater benefits, greater health motivation, and fewer barriers to screening than those who did not participate. These same three variables were similarly associated with greater frequency of receiving mammograms. It also was found that perceived benefits and health motivation were significantly correlated with shorter duration of time since the last mammogram. No support was found for perceived susceptibility, perceived seriousness, and health locus of control as predictors of women's mammography behavior. Implications for nursing research in further examining the MHLC and the Health Belief Model construct of susceptibility as they relate to mammography behavior are identified. Practice implications for nurses are suggested.