This Mother’s Day, Help Women With a History of GDM Take Steps to Lower Their Risk for Type 2 Diabetes

In support of Mother's Day (May 12) and National Women's Health Week (May 12–18), the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) is reminding women with a history of gestational diabetes (GDM) about their lifelong risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Women with a history of GDM have a 35 to 60 percent chance of developing diabetes in the next 10 to 20 years, and should be tested for diabetes 6 to 12 weeks after their baby is born. If they do not have diabetes, they continue to be at risk and should talk to their doctor about additional testing. It's also important to remember that the child from a pregnancy affected by GDM may also be at increased risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes in the future.

Check out NDEP’s newly revised tip sheet, Did You Have Gestational Diabetes When You Were Pregnant? What You Need to Know. for tips women with a history of GDM and their families can take to lower their risk for type 2 diabetes. Visit www.YourDiabetesInfo.org/GDM for more information about gestational diabetes and free resources from NDEP.