Last Updated on December 9, 2022 by Shabnam Sengupta
There is no certainty that you will get type 2 diabetes if you have gestational diabetes (GD). However, women diagnosed with gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Can women develop type 2 diabetes after having gestational diabetes during pregnancy?
Yes. As per an article published in the World Journal of Diabetes, there is a 60% risk of gestational diabetes progressing into Type 2 diabetes in the future. Gestational diabetes develops in women who cannot overcome the insulin resistance that arises during pregnancy. Usually, this condition goes away after the baby is born. But the risk of developing type 2 diabetes stays. This happens because, with Gestational Diabetes, the woman suffers from insulin resistance, and she is likely to have a greater risk of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) which furthermore increases the progression to abnormal glucose tolerance levels, causing diabetes in the future.
How can one minimize the risk of developing type 2 diabetes after having GD?
It is necessary to timely introduce measures to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes onset. You can lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you have GD by:
- Exercising regularly and keeping your weight and BMI (Body Mass Index) in a healthy range.
- Eating a good diet that includes vegetables, fruits, and proteins. However, everything must be consumed in moderation, and a properly balanced diet must be followed.
- Limit intake of sugary foods and drinks at much as possible. Also, avoid smoking and alcohol and limit highly processed food items.
- Make a habit of getting your blood sugar levels checked regularly so that if the levels start elevating, they can be controlled at an early stage.
- Lastly, if you plan to have another baby in future, consult your doctor for any lifestyle changes so that you don’t develop gestational diabetes again during your pregnancy.
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