Gestational diabetes is generally described as different from other types of diabetes in that it is specific to pregnancy. In the vast majority of cases, gestational diabetes begins during pregnancy and resolves on its own after the baby is born. This is in contrast to women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes prior to pregnancy who will remain diabetic after the pregnancy.
New research suggests this may not always be the case. The study, published in The Lancet, suggests women with gestational diabetes have more than seven times the chance of developing type 2 diabetes than women who don’t experience this pregnancy complication.
Type 2 diabetes is also known as adult onset diabetes or non insulin dependent diabetes. The incidence of type 2 diabetes is increasing in the United States. Diabetes affects how the body processes glucose, which is normally helped by insulin production. When a person has diabetes, they are unable to produce enough insulin, which results in a high glucose level in the blood. The blood glucose level is what is tested in the sugar test given during pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes.
Some of factors associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes include a family history of type 2 diabetes, being overweight, and some ethnic groups, such as African American, Hispanic and Pacific Islander. Now, research indicates having gestational diabetes during pregnancy can be added to the list of risk factors.
Researchers hope this information can be used to better screen women for type 2 diabetes and to educate women about the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. In addition, women can learn diet and exercise habits that may delay or even help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. This could begin as soon as the first post partum visit to the doctor.
It may be possible to delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, or even prevent it altogether. This can be done by losing weight, if the person is overweight, and making some lifestyle changes. Despite the ads on television late at night, the best way to lose weight is through a healthy diet and regular exercise. This is also good advice for anyone interested in delaying or preventing diabetes or people with a family history of adult onset diabetes. Speak to your health care provider about lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk.
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