Having gestational diabetes means that you have an increased risk of pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. You are also at increased risk of other health problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease. The good news is that having regular health checks and following a healthy lifestyle can help you to look after your future health. Your health after gestational diabetes Gestational diabetes during pregnancy is common. While diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born, there is an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the future. Download now “I was successful in managing gestational diabetes while pregnant. That gives me some reassurance on managing my health after pregnancy.” Ashlee, 26 years Know your risk Up to 1 in 5 women will continue to have high blood glucose levels after pregnancy and 1 in 2 women will be diagnosed with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes within 10–20 years. Follow-up diabetes checks are a helpful early warning system because they can detect high blood glucose levels. If you are diagnosed with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes, your GP can provide you with information and support. Why am I at risk? Having gestational diabetes puts you at risk of type 2 diabetes. Your risk is increased further if you: have a family history of type 2 diabetes are aged over 30 years are from a high-risk background (e.g. Chinese, Indian or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background) have a weight above the healthy weight range or are not physically active. How can I reduce my risk of type 2 diabetes? The good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Follow these five steps to reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes and stay healthy for you and your family: make healthy food choices be active every day aim for a healthy weight and encourage healthy lifestyle for the whole family have regular follow-up diabetes checks More information can be found in the Life after gestational diabetes booklet. “…in the past I’d thought, ‘It won’t happen to me’ but having had gestational diabetes makes me realise that I’m at higher risk for type 2 diabetes, so I am doing what I can now.” Amanda, 42 years
