Factors Predicting Abnormally High 2-Hour Postprandial Blood Glucose Levels in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) can cause complications in the mother and fetus. Knowing what factors cause high blood sugar levels will yield benefits through creating better care plans. The purpose of this descriptive research was to examine the predictors of, and their relationships to, abnormally high 2-hour postprandial glucose levels in pregnant women. Participants were 109 women who were purposively selected according to inclusion criteria. The criteria, included being diagnosed with GDM, being between 17-43 years old, and receiving antenatal care services at a hospital in the upper northeastern region of Thailand.  Data were collected between May 2020 and April 2021. The research instruments were: 1) a general information questionnaire, 2) a dietary behavior questionnaire, and 3) an exercise behavior questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The results showed that most women with GDM had higher 2-hour postprandial glucose levels than normal (M = 157.19, SD = 46.34). It was also found that 2-hr postprandial glucose levels were positively correlated with the types of gestational diabetes (r = .505, p < 0.01) and were negatively correlated with exercise behavior levels (r = -.213, p < 0.05). These two factors can explain 31.0% (F_(2,106) = 23.847, R² = 0.310, p < 0.01) ) of the abnormally high 2-hr postprandial glucose levels in the study participants. Data from these research results can be used to develop improved guidelines for caring for pregnant women with different types of GDM by focusing on exercise in order to help them to be able to control their blood sugar.