Physical activity and the regulation of blood sugar during pregnancy: A secondary analysis among Black Americans
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Date
2024-05
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The Ohio State University
Abstract
Background. High blood glucose levels during pregnancy can be detrimental to the health of mother and child. Physical activity has shown success in managing blood glucose; however, the effect of different types of physical activity on blood glucose remains incompletely understood, particularly among Black Americans who face a disproportionate burden of morbidity. Therefore, we examined associations among physical activity and blood glucose levels from glucose tolerance testing among a cohort of pregnant Black Americans. Framework. Glass and McAtee’s multilevel model. Methods. Participants were enrolled at 28-32 weeks of pregnancy. Participants were interviewed to obtain information regarding socioeconomic factors and surveys were administered, including the Kaiser Physical Activity Survey (KPAS). 50-gram glucose tolerance testing results were abstracted from the medical record. Multiple linear regression models were built adjusting for sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics. Results. Participants (n=77) were, on average, aged 26.12±4.39 years. Participants were primarily unmarried (75.32%), received less than a bachelor’s degree (75.32%), and were multiparous (61.04%). In adjusted models, an association between total physical activity and glucose levels was not observed (t=-0.16, p=0.876, β=-0.018). However, greater levels of childcare-related physical activity predicted lower glucose levels (t=-2.04, p=0.045, β=-0.270). When additional behavioral controls (smoking, sleep, stress, alcohol, drug use) were added to the model, the relationship was slightly attenuated (p=0.067). Conclusions. Findings suggest that physical activity beyond the traditional conceptualization of exercise may play an important role in the regulation of blood sugar among pregnant Black Americans. A broadened perspective on physical activity during pregnancy may be needed, impacting recommendations provided by the healthcare team.
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Keywords
Pregnancy, Blood glucose, Physical activity, Maternal-Infant health