Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-r5fsc Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-26T06:06:40.784Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
Accepted manuscript

Diabetes prevention after gestational diabetes: challenges and opportunities

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 November 2024

Pauline Dunne
Affiliation:
School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
Deirbhile Sherry
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics, Rotunda Hospital, Parnell Square E, Rotunda, Dublin 1, D01 P5W9
Sharleen O’Reilly*
Affiliation:
School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland
*
Corresponding author: Sharleen O’Reilly, Room SS2.16, Science Centre South Building, University College Dublin, Dublin, D04 V1W8, Ireland, Email: [email protected], Telephone: 01 7167138
Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.

Gestational diabetes (GDM) poses significant health concerns for women and their offspring, with implications that extend beyond pregnancy. While GDM often resolves postpartum, a diagnosis of GDM confers a greater risk of future type 2 diabetes (T2D) and other chronic illnesses. Furthermore, the intergenerational impact of GDM predisposes offspring to increased chronic disease risk. Despite the awareness of the short- and long-term consequences of GDM, translating this knowledge into prevention strategies remains challenging. Challenges arise from a lack of clarity among health professionals regarding roles and responsibilities in chronic disease prevention and women’s lack of awareness of the magnitude of associated health risks. These challenges are compounded by changes in the circumstances of new mothers as they adjust to balance the demands of infant and family care with their own needs. Insights into behaviour change strategies, coupled with advances in technology and digital healthcare delivery options, have presented new opportunities for diabetes prevention among women with a history of GDM. Additionally, there is growing recognition of the benefits of adopting an implementation science approach to intervention delivery, which seeks to enhance the effectiveness and scalability of interventions. Effective prevention of T2D following GDM requires a comprehensive person-centred approach that leverages technology, targeted interventions, and implementation science methodologies to address the complex needs of this population. Through a multifaceted approach, it is possible to improve the long-term health outcomes of women with prior GDM.

Type
Review Article
Copyright
© The Authors 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of The Nutrition Society