Women with a history of Gestational diabetes are ten times more likely to go on to develop Type 2 diabetes and be at risk of developing Gestational Diabetes in future pregnancies.
The good news is three out of five cases can be prevented if they take the necessary steps.
The Lincolnshire Maternity and Neonatal Programme are encouraging those at risk to participate in the free Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention programme (NDPP), particularly if they are planning for another child.
A pregnant woman with Gestational diabetes is at risk of giving birth to a very large baby increasing the likelihood of induced labour or a caesarean section. It also increases the risk of premature birth and your baby requiring additional neonatal care.
Women aged from 18 to 80 are eligible to participate in the 9-month programme if they have been affected by Gestational Diabetes during their pregnancy, even if it was many years ago.
Participants will learn what Type 2 Diabetes is, and its implications both to long term health risks and future pregnancies. Be taught the skills on how to reduce and maintain their blood glucose, thereby lowering their risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes and future Gestational Diabetes, and other conditions such as heart disease and strokes.
“These can be small but significant changes designed to fit in with our own unique lives and lifestyles,” suggests Lisa Marsters, Senior Engagement Lead – Lincolnshire
Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme Xyla Health & Wellbeing.
“By empowering patients to understand what balanced, healthy nutrition is, the significance of regular activity and understand the role that stress, and other lifestyle factors play which can make a huge difference to the choices we make and therefore the outcomes we experience.”
To enrol in the programme, patients can either ask their GP or Health Care Professional to make a direct referral on their behalf. Alternatively, patients can self-refer if they know their current HbA1c result (within the last 12 months), their NHS number and be currently registered with a GP – call 0333 577 3010 or email info@preventing-diabetes.co.uk and our Patient Support Team can register you or answer any questions you may have.
“Once a woman has had a diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), they are then entitled to an annual review at their GP, which will include having a blood glucose test.” Explains Philippa Brown, Diabetes Prevention Project Officer / Long Term Conditions Support Officer for NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board.
“Provided that their blood test result is within the last 12 months, and it does not indicate that they have developed Type 2 Diabetes (HbA1c of 48 or above is the level to diagnose Type 2 Diabetes), they are then eligible to take part on the NHS Diabetes Prevention programme unless they are currently pregnant.”
Published 06/01/2023