How to Lower Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes After Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and affects the body’s ability to process glucose into energy. It goes away after delivery. However, having a pregnancy with gestational diabetes does increase the risk of later developing type 2 diabetes.

This article explores gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes and how to lower your risk of type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes.

What Is Gestational Diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is diabetes that develops in someone who is pregnant and did not have diabetes before pregnancy.

Changes in the pregnant body, including weight gain, cause the body not to use insulin as effectively as it normally would. This causes insulin resistance, creating more need for insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells in the pancreas that allows cells to take in glucose to use for energy.

Those who are pregnant are typically screened for gestational diabetes between weeks 24 and 28. If you have more risk factors or your healthcare provider (or you) have concerns, you may be screened earlier.

Gestational Diabetes vs. Type 2 Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is not type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes is diagnosed only in someone who experiences insulin resistance during pregnancy and did not have diabetes (type 1 or type 2) prior to becoming pregnant.

Approximately 50% of those who have gestational diabetes are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes after that pregnancy. However, by taking steps to stay healthier, you can reduce the likelihood of developing it.

How to Lower Your Risk of Getting Type 2 Diabetes

While you may not be able to definitively prevent the development of later type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes, you can do some things to reduce your risk.

Breastfeed Your Baby

Breastfeeding was associated with a lower incidence of people developing type 2 diabetes within two years after a pregnancy with gestational diabetes. Breastfeeding has been found to improve glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and lipid metabolism.

While more research is needed and longer studies need to be done to definitively associate breastfeeding with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes, this is encouraging.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, as well as high blood pressure and high blood glucose. Talk with a healthcare provider about a healthy weight range for yourself. Discuss dietary modifications, how to add regular physical activity, and how to choose a more active lifestyle overall.

Follow a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is a major factor in maintaining a healthy weight. Some dietary basics to keep in mind, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), include:

Choose things like:

• Non-starchy vegetables: Peppers, spinach, broccoli
• Fruits
• Lean protein: Chicken, tofu, eggs, fish
• Whole grains: Brown rice, steel-cut oatmeal
• Water and unsweetened drinks

Avoid or minimize things like:

• Processed foods: Packaged foods, packaged meat, fast food, sweets
• Trans fats: Margarine, many fried foods, packaged baked goods
• Sugary drinks: Fruit juice with added sugar, sodas
• Alcohol
  

Monitor Your Blood Sugar

Being aware of your blood sugar is important. If you know you’re at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes because of gestational diabetes, talk with a healthcare provider about monitoring your blood sugar and where your ideal numbers should be.

Knowing your blood sugar levels can help you make healthy meal plan choices and help motivate you to stay active. It can also let you know when you need to see a healthcare provider if your levels cannot be managed.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends screening at four to 12 weeks postpartum for those with gestational diabetes.

Both ACOG and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommend that repeat follow-up testing be done every one to three years for those who had gestational diabetes but normal postpartum screening results.

If you notice any symptoms of diabetes or are concerned about your risk of type 2 diabetes postpartum, see a healthcare provider. Talk with them about your concerns and what you can do to help lower your risk going forward.

Summary

Gestational diabetes can increase the risk of later developing type 2 diabetes. While nearly half of those with gestational diabetes are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at some point, you can do some things to reduce the risk of diabetes.

Eating a healthy diet, participating in regular physical activity, breastfeeding for at least two months, if possible, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help lower the risk of diabetes.

Talk with a healthcare provider about your specific situation and risk factors as well as any concerns you may have about being able to work on risk reduction behaviors.

A Word From Verywell

Although breastfeeding may lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, it can be difficult to do. If you would like to breastfeed but are having issues with latching or nursing, let a healthcare provider know. They can help you through your challenges or connect you with a lactation consultant who can work with you.

If you are unable to breastfeed (or don’t want to), there is no judgment. There is a lot of privilege in the ability to breastfeed, especially for long periods of time. Paid parental leave is not mandatory in the United States, and work situations may not allow people to breastfeed or pump as needed.

Take the actions you can to reduce your risks by enjoying a healthy diet and physical activity. Ask a healthcare provider for advice on how to incorporate these into your life.