There is now strong evidence that lifestyle modification can prevent or delay the
development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in high-risk individuals. Women with gestational
diabetes mellitus are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes and so are candidates
for prevention programs. We review literature on type 2 diabetes risk in women with
gestational diabetes, examine current recommendations for postpartum and long-term
follow-up, and summarize findings from a 2007 expert-panel meeting. We found data
to support that women with gestational diabetes have an increase in risk of type 2
diabetes comparable in magnitude with that of individuals with impaired glucose tolerance
and/or impaired fasting glucose and that prevention interventions likely are effective
in this population. Current recommendations from leading organizations on follow-up
of women after delivery are conflicting and compliance is poor. Clinicians and public
health workers face numerous challenges in developing intervention strategies for
this population. Translation research will be critical in addressing this important
public health issue.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 11, 2008
Accepted:
June 11,
2008
Received in revised form:
April 8,
2008
Received:
January 25,
2008
Footnotes
Cite this article as: England LJ, Dietz PM, Njoroge T, et al. Preventing type 2 diabetes: public health implications for women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2009;200:365.e1-365.e8.
Reprints not available from the authors.
This study was supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA.
The findings and conclusions of this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Published by Elsevier Inc.
