Detection and Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes for Women With a History of Gestational Diabetes: An Integrative Review

Gestational diabetes mellitus, among the most frequent complications occurring during pregnancy, affects approximately 8% 10% of pregnant women. These women are at a much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus later in life. Concerningly, during the transition from obstetrical care to primary care, women with gestational diabetes often miss the required follow-up testing, preventive care, and education on lifestyle changes that could prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This integrative review analyzed current evidence on detecting and preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus in women with a history of gestational diabetes. Four essential themes appeared in the literature that highlighted the fact that women with a history of gestational diabetes have a 60% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes in their lifetime. There is good evidence to support that to minimize the risk and possibly delay the development of this disease, screening is essential, and lifestyle modifications, medications, and breastfeeding can all be helpful for these patients. Women need to be educated on the importance of follow-up after a diagnosis of gestational diabetes, and they need to be encouraged to become partners with a primary care provider to ensure that the proper testing and care is received. It is also crucial that primary care providers integrate the evidence and guidelines for postpartum gestational diabetes care into their practice