Lifestyle Behaviors, Physical Activity, and Body Composition in Women With Gestational Diabetes: A Real-World Observational Study From Poland.

BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Lifestyle factors, including physical activity, diet, and body composition, may influence GDM risk, but integrated clinical data remain limited. We compared lifestyle-related factors, physical activity, dietary behaviors, and body composition between pregnant women with GDM and those with normal glucose tolerance and assessed differences in supplementation use, environmental exposures, family history of metabolic diseases, and selected anthropometric parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS This cross-sectional observational study included 80 pregnant women (30 with GDM and 50 controls). Participants completed structured questionnaires assessing diet, physical activity, supplementation, and lifestyle factors. Body composition was evaluated using bioelectrical impedance analysis and skinfold thickness measurements. Group differences were analyzed using nonparametric tests. RESULTS Women with GDM more frequently reported adherence to a prescribed diet (77% vs 0%, P<0.0001) and greater nutritional knowledge (93% vs 4%, P<0.001), likely reflecting behavioral changes following diagnosis. Compared with controls, women with GDM had greater skinfold thickness (21.5 vs 19.0 mm, P=0.011) and higher total body water (34.6% vs 31.9%, P=0.032), despite similar pre-pregnancy body mass index. Positive family histories of obesity (63% vs 38%, P=0.049) and diabetes (53% vs 28%, P=0.043) were more common in the GDM group. Supplementation use was widespread and comparable between groups. CONCLUSIONS GDM was associated with differences in body composition and family history of metabolic diseases. Reduced physical activity was observed in both groups, whereas dietary adherence and nutritional knowledge among women with GDM likely reflected post-diagnostic behavioral adaptations.