Gestational diabetes postpartum is associated with which statement?

Gestational diabetes postpartum is associated with which statement?

• A. Moms have >50% chance of developing DM after pregnancy and >50% chance of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies
• B. Moms have <10% chance of developing DM after pregnancy
• C. Recurrence risk is <10%
• D. Screen postpartum not recommended

Answer: (A)

Gestational diabetes reveals a tendency toward impaired glucose metabolism that often persists after delivery. Because of this ongoing underlying dysfunction, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes after a pregnancy complicated by GDM is substantial—typically more than half over the subsequent years. In addition, the likelihood of having another pregnancy affected by GDM is also high, again commonly over half. This is why postpartum screening is recommended (for example, a glucose tolerance test around 6 weeks after delivery and ongoing risk-based screening later). The idea that the postpartum risk is small or that postpartum screening isn’t needed is not accurate.

Gestational diabetes reveals a tendency toward impaired glucose metabolism that often persists after delivery. Because of this ongoing underlying dysfunction, the risk of developing type 2 diabetes after a pregnancy complicated by GDM is substantial—typically more than half over the subsequent years. In addition, the likelihood of having another pregnancy affected by GDM is also high, again commonly over half. This is why postpartum screening is recommended (for example, a glucose tolerance test around 6 weeks after delivery and ongoing risk-based screening later). The idea that the postpartum risk is small or that postpartum screening isn’t needed is not accurate.