Gestational diabetes (GDM) is a temporary form of diabetes that can arise during pregnancy. In most cases, careful management can keep GDM under control and lead to the birth of a healthy baby. Unfortunately it doesn’t completely end there. It’s essential to think about postpartum diabetes prevention following delivery since you are at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
Who gets gestational diabetes (GDM)?
GDM affects between 3 – 20% of women during pregnancy. Risk factors for GDM include:
- Age over 35
- Obesity
- Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes
- GDM in a previous pregnancy
- Previous delivery of a baby over 9 pounds
- Coming from a high-risk diabetes population (South Asian, Hispanic, Aboriginal, Asian or African)
Does GDM disappear after delivery?
By definition, GDM only lasts until the baby is born. For many women, the symptoms also go away at this point. That is, blood glucose levels may return to normal. But this doesn’t mean GDM can be forgotten – postpartum diabetes prevention strategies are extremely important.
Women who have had GDM are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Up to 50% will develop the disease within 15 years, and others will be diagnosed with prediabetes. Having GDM in one pregnancy also increases the risk of GDM in future pregnancies.
This means that women who have had GDM need to be carefully watched by their health care professionals for signs of diabetes. Regular tests should be scheduled, and careful preparation should be made before future pregnancies.
What follow-up screenings should be done after delivery?
Following GDM, women should be tested for diabetes and prediabetes with an oral glucose tolerance test between 6 weeks and 6 months after giving birth. It should also be scheduled if a pregnancy is planned.
These tests are important, because they help lead to early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Early detection can help keep diabetes under control and can help avoid health complications.
The benefits of breast-feeding
Women with GDM should be encouraged to breastfeed immediately after birth and for a minimum of 4 months to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in their newborn, childhood obesity, and diabetes for both the mother and child.
What are other postpartum diabetes prevention strategies?
Women who have had GDM can help reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by maintaining a healthy weight and following a healthy lifestyle program. This includes healthy eating and regular physical exercise. Regular physical activity is good for your overall health, will help maintain recommended weight targets, and can help to reduce post-partum depression.
Health risks for children after GDM
Babies born after their mother has had GDM may be at risk of obesity in childhood and at higher risk of diabetes in later life.
If you have had GDM, make sure your child’s health care provider is aware of this fact.
You can also help to cut your child’s risk of health issues by encouraging the whole family to follow healthy lifestyle recommendations.
Planning another pregnancy after GDM
Talk to your health care provider before becoming pregnant again. Tests will be scheduled to check your blood glucose levels. If they are high, you will be given recommendations to help bring blood glucose down to normal levels. This will reduce the chances of health problems for you and your baby during pregnancy.
Life after gestational diabetes involves ongoing attention to health, as the risk of developing type 2 diabetes remains elevated. Emphasizing postpartum diabetes prevention through healthy lifestyle changes, regular check-ups, and weight management can significantly reduce this risk. With the right support, many women can maintain long-term well-being and prevent future complications.
