Healthy lifestyle helps prevent gestational diabetes in people at highest genetic risk

Researchers have developed a genetic risk score to identify those who would benefit most from life>

Gestational diabetes is the most common health-related challenge during pregnancy

A study conducted at the University of Helsinki investigated the impact of life>

In this study, a polygenic risk score (PRS), which describes the genetic risk of diabetes, was calculated from genetic variants known to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes

"Gestational diabetes, prediabetes and diabetes in the postpartum year were also more common among those with higher scores," said OB/GYN specialist Emilia Huvinen

Targeted measures are better

Genetic risk also influences the link between life>

"According to our study, intensive life>

According to her, the findings are significant, even globally unique

"Our study provides a possible explanation for the conflicting results of previous studies on the prevention of gestational diabetes to date," explained Huvinen

According to the researchers, the genetic risk score will have the potential to identify the most at-risk pregnant women and target them with resources and the most effective preventive measures

"At the same time, it's important to realize that when it comes to diabetes, our genetic background does not determine our future

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How the research was conducted

• The Finnish Gestational Diabetes Prevention Study (RADIEL) was conducted in Helsinki and Lappeenranta during 2008-2013

  
  

• The intervention study involved women at high risk of diabetes who were planning pregnancy or who were already in the first trimester, were obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2), or had a history of gestational diabetes

  
  

• A total of 724 women were randomly assigned to a control group or to three intensive physical activity and dietary interventions during pregnancy and three times within a year postpartum

  
  

• Dietary recommendations follow the Nordic dietary guidelines, along with 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week

  
  

• A polygenic risk score (PRS) for genetic risk of diabetes was calculated using 50 known risk variants associated with type 2 diabetes