Beyond Pregnancy: Reducing Postpartum Diabetes Risk and Supporting High-Risk Women with GDM | Recording-Beyond Pregnancy: Reducing Postpartum Diabetes Risk and Supporting High-Risk Women with Gestational Diabetes (GDM)

Beyond Pregnancy: Reducing Postpartum Diabetes Risk and Supporting High-Risk Women with Gestational Diabetes (GDM)

Pdf Summary

The infographic from the American Diabetes Association outlines key strategies to reduce postpartum diabetes risk and support women with gestational diabetes (GDM). Despite the high risk—50% of women with GDM develop type 2 diabetes later—less than 58% complete recommended postpartum glucose screening, signaling gaps in care.<br /><br />To improve engagement, it recommends discussing postpartum glucose testing during delivery admission and ordering the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) before hospital discharge. Combining maternal checkups with infant well-baby visits and counseling during pregnancy about screening importance can boost follow-up rates.<br /><br />Mental health is also critical; women often experience exhaustion, anxiety, and overwhelm postpartum. Screening for depression and anxiety both before and after birth, and providing referrals to counseling, peer groups, or support programs, can enhance wellbeing and adherence to care.<br /><br />Continuity of care after delivery is emphasized. Early referrals to primary care, endocrinologists, or cardiologists, especially if no primary care provider is established, help ensure smooth transitions. Establishing warm handoffs and using motivational interviewing promotes long-term engagement.<br /><br />Addressing barriers such as loss of Medicaid coverage by leveraging extensions and connecting patients with community health workers, WIC, and local nutrition resources supports ongoing access to care.<br /><br />Finally, the infographic stresses lifelong prevention, noting the importance of educating women about ongoing risks of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Support for breastfeeding, healthy weight management, physical activity, and referrals to National Diabetes Prevention Programs or tailored support services (including doulas and community health workers) offer sustained assistance.<br /><br />Overall, the recommendations promote a comprehensive, compassionate, and coordinated approach to improving postpartum health outcomes for women with prior GDM.

Keywords

postpartum diabetes risk

gestational diabetes

postpartum glucose screening

oral glucose tolerance test

maternal and infant checkups

postpartum mental health

continuity of care

Medicaid coverage barriers

type 2 diabetes prevention

National Diabetes Prevention Programs