Women who have had gestational diabetes should be retested for diabetes 6 to 12 weeks after the baby is born, and at least every three years after that. Follow-up screening usually consists of a simple blood test.

Generally, steps are taken to manage gestational diabetes during pregnancy for the health of both mother and child. However, many women do not realize that if they have had gestational diabetes they are at increased risk for developing diabetes in the future, and their child is also at increased risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK; Bethesda MD, USA) and the Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH; Bethesda, MD, USA) are together promoting awareness of risks attached for mothers and children after pregnancies where there had been gestational diabetes. A special effort was made from May 9-15, 2010, which included Mother's Day in many parts of the world, and [US] National Women's Health Week.

"Many women think that if the follow-up test after the baby is born shows no signs of diabetes, they are in the clear, but that is not the case," said Vivian Pinn, M.D., director of the ORWH. "What many of these moms do not know is that they have a 40 % to 60 % chance of developing diabetes as early as five to 10 years after their baby is born. These women need to know this information and they need to take steps to lower their risk for developing diabetes."

Related Links:
U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
Office of Research on Women's Health