The Postnatal Management of Gestational Diabetes

• Diabetes mellitus is growing substantially in our nation. Between its natural progression and effects on other body systems, this epidemic is costing us billions of dollars a year. • Although gestational diabetes typically resolves after pregnancy, women who have had gestational diabetes in the past have a largely increased risk for the development of diabetes mellitus in the future. • Several things contribute to the development of GDM and DM: decline in β-cell function, lower adiponectin levels and HgbA1C levels in the third trimester. • Intervening during the critical time after delivery in women with gestational diabetes, will theoretically help prevent the further progression into diabetes mellitus. • We can do this by directing prevention practices such as a well-balanced diet, exercise, smoking cessation and the encouragement of breastfeeding. • Current recommendations for the management of these women appears to be too lenient. With a more concentrated strategy by practitioners and the involvement of educators and dieticians, ideally we can ultimately lessen this costly epidemic.https://commons.und.edu/pas-grad-posters/1050/thumbnail.jp