Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect insulin sensitivity, leading to high blood glucose levels.

Gestational diabetes usually goes away after delivery, but women who have had gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes blood glucose (sugar).

With type 2 diabetes, your body either resists the effects of insulin, a hormone that regulates the movement of glucose into your cells, or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels. This causes high blood sugar levels, which can lead to a range of health problems over time.

What Are the Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes?

There are several risk factors for type 2 diabetes, including:.

Being overweight or obese
Having a family history of diabetes
Being physically inactive
Eating a diet high in processed and sugary foods
Being over the age of 45
Having high blood pressure or high cholesterol
Being of certain ethnicities, including African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander

Does Gestational Diabetes Increase the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes?

Yes, women who have had gestational diabetes have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

According to the American Diabetes Association, women who have had gestational diabetes have a 7-fold increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to women who have not had gestational diabetes.

Why Does Gestational Diabetes Increase the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes?

There are several reasons why gestational diabetes increases the risk of type 2 diabetes:.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect insulin sensitivity, leading to high blood glucose levels.
Women who have gestational diabetes are more likely to have insulin resistance before becoming pregnant, which increases their risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Women who have had gestational diabetes are more likely to be overweight or obese, which is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

What Can Women Who Have Had Gestational Diabetes Do to Reduce Their Risk of Type 2 Diabetes?

There are several things women who have had gestational diabetes can do to reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes:.

Get regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet that is low in processed and sugary foods.
Lose weight if overweight or obese.
Quit smoking, as smoking is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
Get regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to monitor blood glucose levels and other health markers.

Conclusion

Gestational diabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

However, there are things women who have had gestational diabetes can do to reduce their risk, including getting regular physical activity, eating a healthy diet, and maintaining a healthy weight. It is important for women who have had gestational diabetes to work with their healthcare provider to monitor their health and manage their risk of type 2 diabetes.