Beyond Pregnancy: Reducing Postpartum Diabetes Risk and Supporting High-Risk Women with GDM | Recording-Beyond Pregnancy: Managing Your Health After GDM

Beyond Pregnancy: Managing Your Health After GDM

Pdf Summary

This infographic from the American Diabetes Association (ADA), based on the 2025 Standards of Care in Diabetes, focuses on managing health after gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). It emphasizes that continued care after pregnancy is crucial to protect both the mother's and baby's future health.<br /><br />Key recommendations include:<br /><br />1. Early Testing: Women who had GDM should have a blood glucose test within 4 to 12 weeks postpartum. Scheduling this test alongside the baby’s checkup can make follow-up easier.<br /><br />2. Emotional Health: Recognizing feelings of sadness, anxiety, or being overwhelmed after delivery is important. Women are encouraged to communicate with healthcare providers to access necessary emotional and mental health support.<br /><br />3. Advocacy: Patients should openly discuss any barriers such as cost, transportation, or childcare challenges with their healthcare team. Support programs like WIC, Medicaid extension, or community health workers can assist with these issues.<br /><br />4. Long-term Care: Establishing ongoing care with a healthcare provider after pregnancy is essential. Regular checkups should include assessments of heart health and diabetes risk. Telehealth and mobile clinics can offer more convenient care options.<br /><br />5. Protecting Future Health: Breastfeeding support is recommended, as well as guidance on safe postpartum physical activity. Women should inquire about joining the National Diabetes Prevention Program or other interventions that can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.<br /><br />The ADA encourages open communication between patients and healthcare teams to create personalized plans that support health and family wellbeing over the long term. For more information, individuals can visit diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES.

Keywords

gestational diabetes mellitus

postpartum care

blood glucose testing

emotional health support

healthcare advocacy

long-term diabetes management

telehealth

breastfeeding support

physical activity postpartum

National Diabetes Prevention Program