After the baby is born, gestational diabetes usually goes away. A Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) is performed after the birth to ensure that blood glucose levels have returned to normal. However, 1 in 2 women who have had gestational diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within 10-20 years. Eating well and keeping active can help delay or even avoid the development of type 2 diabetes.
People who develop type 2 diabetes often feel fine and do not notice symptoms for years. It is important that women ask their doctor for a diabetes test every year. That is the way to find out early if type 2 diabetes has developed and prevent diabetes complications such as damage to eyes, kidneys, heart and feet.
Reducing the Risk of Developing Type 2 Diabetes
To reduce your risk, or delay the development of type 2 diabetes, keep in mind the following important points:
- Maintain or achieve a healthy weight: Balancing food intake with activity levels is the best way to maintain or reduce any excess body weight.
- Eat healthily: Limit saturated fat, choose lean meat, skinless chicken and low fat dairy foods. Limit processed and fried foods. Eat plenty of vegetables, legumes, fruits, wholegrain breads and cereals.
- Be physically active: Aim to include at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most days. You should discuss your physical activity plans with your doctor prior to starting any exercise regime.
- Check blood glucose levels: It is important to have your blood glucose tested every 1-2 years. Discuss this with your doctor.
Life after gestational diabetes booklet
National Gestational Diabetes Register Follow Up
The National Gestational Diabetes Register is helping women who have had gestational diabetes reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
The register will follow up women who have had gestational diabetes to remind them to have regular diabetes screening tests with their doctor.
Regular screening will help to detect whether you have developed diabetes. The earlier diabetes is diagnosed and managed, the better your health will be. As well as sending reminders to you, the National Gestational Diabetes Register will also send a reminder to your nominated family doctor.
The National Gestational Diabetes Register will provide lifestyle, diet and health-related information so you know how to minimise your risk of developing type 2 diabetes
Registration information