Purpose: The purposes of this article are to examine the epidemiology of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and subsequent type 2 diabetes, identify risk factors for the development of GDM and subsequent type 2 diabetes, discuss protocols for postpartum screening, and recommend evidence-based interventions to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes after GDM.
Methods: A review of the research literature from 1995 to 2005 concerning gestational diabetes was done using MEDLINE, CINAHL, National Institutes of Health, and American Diabetes Association internet resources. The criteria set for selection included the following: the research explored risk factors for and epidemiology of gestational diabetes, the relationship of gestational diabetes and the subsequent development of type 2 diabetes, and/or the prevention of type 2 diabetes after GDM.
Results: Women with pregnancies complicated by GDM are at increased risk for subsequent development of type 2 diabetes. Research suggests that modification of lifestyle-based risk factors including obesity, poor nutrition, and lack of exercise can delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes in these women. However, there is evidence that recommended postpartum screening protocols for women with GDM are not being followed; hence, those women at high risk for type 2 diabetes are not identified, and no intervention is undertaken to reduce their risks.
Conclusions: Diabetes educators must play an integral role in increasing awareness of the need for postpartum screening and intervention for women with gestational diabetes. Only with early identification and intensive intervention can the devastating toll of diabetes be averted for many of these women.