As the name implies, gestational diabetes (GDM) is a condition that affects pregnant women. But you might be wondering how long it lasts; does it go away towards the end of pregnancy, or do things take a little longer?
For most women, gestational diabetes does go away after delivery. It might not happen immediately, which is why healthcare providers monitor women who have had gestational diabetes. They’ll give them periodical blood tests for 1 to 2 months after delivery, to ensure that things have returned to normal. For many women, however, the condition disappears right after delivery.
Does GDM ever last past the first month?
It’s very uncommon, but sometimes gestational diabetes lasts past the first month. This happens to about 2-3% of all women who experience gestational diabetes. In these cases, the condition is diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Sometimes a healthy diet and exercise can prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes, but either way, it’s important for women to continue to get their blood glucose tested periodically to watch for any changes.
Can gestational diabetes come back?
Women who have had gestational diabetes are more likely to develop the condition again in future pregnancies. However, getting regular exercise and eating a balanced diet can significantly reduce the chances of developing diabetes in future years. If you are able to maintain a healthy weight, you have a much lower chance of developing gestational diabetes.
While gestational diabetes does go away for most women after delivery, it’s still a good idea to be proactive about avoiding gestational and type 2 diabetes in the future. Pregnancy can be a great opportunity to learn habits that will keep you healthy for many years to come.
Sources
- “What is gestational diabetes?” Diabetes. American Diabetes Association, Jun 20 2014. Web.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. “Gestational Diabetes: Treatments and drugs.” MayoClinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Apr 25 2014.
