Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a condition that develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born. However, its effects can last much longer, putting women at risk for serious health problems later in life. New research shows that there is a strong link between GDM and long-term health risks such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It’s important to build awareness for women who have had GDM so that they can understand these risks and take steps to protect their health.
What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational Diabetes occurs when a woman’s body cannot produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar levels normal during pregnancy. Insulin is a hormone that helps sugar move from the bloodstream into the cells, where it’s used for energy. When there’s not enough insulin, blood sugar levels rise, which can lead to GDM. It’s critical that GDM is identified as a complication of pregnancy as it can be dangerous to both mother and baby – that’s why a standard Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) is included in the second trimester of pregnancy.
While GDM typically resolves after childbirth, this recent research is now showing that women who have GDM during pregnancy then have a higher risk for developing chronic health problems through their life. Understanding what GDM is and how it affects the body can help women manage their health both during and after pregnancy.
The Immediate Impact of GDM
During pregnancy, GDM can cause complications for both the mother and the baby. These can include high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and increased chances of needing a caesarean section. For the baby, GDM can lead to excessive birth weight, early delivery, and low blood sugar levels after birth. These immediate risks are well-known, but it’s the long-term risks that require more attention.
Long-term Health Risks of GDM
Type 2 Diabetes
We are now understanding that women who have had GDM are at a significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes well after their pregnancy. Studies show that women with a history of GDM are seven times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to women who did not have GDM. This increased risk persists even if the woman’s blood sugar levels return to normal after childbirth. And this risk of developing type 2 diabetes can be present within a few years after pregnancy or even decades later.
Cardiovascular disease
In addition to diabetes, GDM is now understood to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. It’s suggested that the hormonal changes and metabolic stresses during pregnancy may contribute to lasting changes in the body that raise the risk of heart disease. Women with a history of GDM are also more likely to experience high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels, both of which are key risk factors for heart disease.
The Importance of Postpartum Follow-up after GDM During Pregnancy
Knowing these risks, it’s crucial that after pregnancy and throughout their life, women who have had GDM during their pregnancy need to continue monitoring their health.
In the post-partum period, it’s recommended that glucose tolerance tests are included in post-delivery follow-up at 6-12 weeks to detect early signs of type 2 diabetes or other metabolic disorders. Despite the importance, many women do not receive the recommended follow-up care. Studies indicate that less than half of women who had GDM undergo postpartum diabetes screening.
Lifelong Health Checks are Crucial Following GDM During Pregnancy
It’s critical that women who have had GDM during pregnancy have regular check-ups throughout their life with their GP, particularly monitoring their blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol. After all, the increased risk can last for decades after pregnancy.
Early detection of any problems allows for timely intervention, which can significantly reduce the risk of developing serious health conditions.
Lifestyle Strategies to Prevent Long-term Health Problems
Taking proactive steps can help women manage their health throughout their lifetime and reduce the risk of long-term complications after having GDM during pregnancy. These are great lifestyle strategies that can become healthy habits through your life. Here are some key strategies:
- Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet is crucial for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limiting the intake of sugary foods and refined carbohydrates can help keep blood sugar levels stable.
- Regular Exercise: Physical activity helps the body use insulin more effectively and can help maintain a healthy weight. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Activities like walking, swimming, and cycling are great options.
- Weight Management: Keeping a healthy weight can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. If overweight, then even a small amount of weight loss (5-7% of body weight) can make a significant difference in reducing the risk.
- Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding has been shown to help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes for both the mother and the baby. It can help the mother’s body return to normal glucose metabolism after pregnancy.
- Regular Health Check-ups: Regular visits to a healthcare provider for blood sugar testing, blood pressure checks and cholesterol monitoring are essential. These check-ups help catch any changes early and allow for prompt treatment. This might mean an annual check-up, or as advised by your GP.
Empowering Women with Knowledge
Knowledge is power, and understanding the health risks as a consequence of having GDM during pregnancy enables women to take control of their health throughout life. Women should be aware that GDM is not just a concern during pregnancy; it also has long-term implications that require ongoing attention. By being proactive and making healthy lifestyle choices, women can significantly reduce their risk of developing serious health problems.
At Bloom Women’s Health, we are committed to providing women with the information and support they need to manage their health effectively. Our compassionate and experienced team is here to help women navigate their health journeys and make informed decisions about their care.
Conclusion
Gestational diabetes is a significant health condition that affects women not only during pregnancy but also throughout their lifetime. The long-term risks of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease are real, but they can be managed – if you’ve had GDM, it’s important to continue monitoring your health to prevent long-term complications. By understanding these risks and taking proactive steps, women can protect their long-term health and lead fulfilling lives.
Bloom Women’s Health is dedicated to supporting women every step of the way, offering expert guidance and compassionate care to help them achieve optimal health.
