What Is Gestational Diabetes?
10. Prognosis
Most cases of gestational diabetes resolves once the baby is delivered. Based on the results of different studies, the chances of developing gestational diabetes in the subsequent pregnancy is between 30% to 84% depending on their ethnic background. A subsequent pregnancy within a year of the previous pregnancy with gestational diabetes has a high possibility of recurring.
Those with gestational diabetes have a higher risk of diabetes in the future. Those who require insulin have a 50% chance of developing diabetes in the next 5 years. Children with mothers who had gestational diabetes have a higher likelihood of childhood and adult obesity along with type 2 diabetes in later life. Both mother and child should be educated regarding preventive strategies to reduce this risk. This can be done via breast feeding, healthy eating, staying active, portion control, and reaching prepregnancy weight (with additional weight loss if required) within 6 to 12 months after delivery.
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