Which statement about gestational diabetes is true?

Which statement about gestational diabetes is true?

• A. Postpartum risk is negligible
• B. Postpartum risk of type 2 DM is >50% and recurrence in subsequent pregnancies is >50%
• C. Weight loss after birth cures DM
• D. It only occurs in older women

Answer: (B)

Gestational diabetes unmasks a tendency toward insulin resistance that persists after pregnancy. While glucose levels often return to normal after delivery, the long-term risk for the mother is substantial: many women who have had gestational diabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes in the ensuing years if lifestyle factors aren’t improved. In addition, having gestational diabetes increases the chance of it recurring in future pregnancies, with a high likelihood across subsequent pregnancies. Thus, the statement that postpartum risk of type 2 diabetes is over 50% and that recurrence in later pregnancies is over 50% accurately reflects these elevated risks. The other options contradict what we know: postpartum risk is not negligible, weight loss after birth does not cure diabetes, and gestational diabetes can occur in women of various ages, not only older ones.

Gestational diabetes unmasks a tendency toward insulin resistance that persists after pregnancy. While glucose levels often return to normal after delivery, the long-term risk for the mother is substantial: many women who have had gestational diabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes in the ensuing years if lifestyle factors aren’t improved. In addition, having gestational diabetes increases the chance of it recurring in future pregnancies, with a high likelihood across subsequent pregnancies.

Thus, the statement that postpartum risk of type 2 diabetes is over 50% and that recurrence in later pregnancies is over 50% accurately reflects these elevated risks. The other options contradict what we know: postpartum risk is not negligible, weight loss after birth does not cure diabetes, and gestational diabetes can occur in women of various ages, not only older ones.