Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during pregnancy is a marker for future type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); therefore, a meticulous follow-up after delivery can help identify women at risk for T2DM. In a cohort of 5504 pregnant women, the postpartum follow-up of all 1043 women with GDM for hyperglycemia in a multi-ethnic, high-risk Arab population was investigated. The prevalence of GDM was 18.9%. A total of 265 (25.4%) women returned for an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) 4-6 weeks after delivery, with more South Asian than Arab women (p < 0.01). The other factors associated with return were (a) family history of T2DM, (b) lower basic metabolic index, (c) higher abortions and (d) lower gravida (p < 0.05), all with minimal effect. An abnormal postpartum OGTT was statistically associated with previous GDM history and hypoglycemic drug treatment, although these effects were small. Overall, the follow-up of women with GDM postpartum was dismal, ethnicity being the major factor influencing return. Urgent public measures are needed to educate women with GDM about follow-up highlighting (a) risk awareness for T2DM and (b) a healthy lifestyle after childbirth-if we are to turn the tide on the epidemic of T2DM plaguing the Arab world.
Keywords: Arabs; OGTT; follow-up; gestational diabetes.