What is GDM?

About 9% of pregnant women develop high blood glucose (sugar) levels for the first time during pregnancy. If the body is not able to make and use all the insulin it needs for pregnancy, glucose cannot leave the blood to be changed to the energy needed to grow and repair cells.

Hormones from the placenta help the baby develop. But these hormones can also block the action of insulin in the body. Eating healthy foods, exercising and, if necessary, taking medication can control blood sugar to keep pregnant women healthy and prevent difficult births.

BUT THAT’S NOT THE WHOLE STORY.

Up to 60% of women with GDM go on to develop type 2 diabetes in the next 10 years.  Women with GDM need glucose testing AFTER delivery, and they need to be seen by a primary care physician, so they can learn what to do to prevent the development of diabetes.

They need help to eat right and exercise, and they may need medications to keep glucose in control. Most women with GDM do NOT get recommended follow-up.

THAT’S THE BRIDGE WE NEED TO BUILD!

See: Maternal outcomes and follow-up after gestational diabetes mellitus (C. Kim, 2014)