female_health

Gestational Diabetes Follow-up

Women with GDM have 50% lifetime risk of T2D. 75g OGTT at 6-12 weeks postpartum + annual screen + lifestyle program cuts progression by 50% (DPP trial).

Nutrition

Pattern

Mediterranean OR low-carb (45-130 g/d) OR DASH

Foods to emphasise

Non-starchy vegetables
Legumes
Whole grains in modest portions
Fatty fish
EVOO
Nuts/seeds

Foods to limit

Sugar-sweetened beverages
Refined carbohydrates
Ultra-processed

Exercise

Aerobic

Brisk walking 30 min × 5 d/wk; post-meal walks drop postprandial glucose 12-22%.

Strength

2-3×/wk; muscle = glucose disposal site.

Flexibility

Daily 10 min.

Weekly target

150 minutes

Supplements

Vitamin D3

1000-2000 IU/day if 25(OH)D < 30

RCT

Magnesium

200-400 mg/day

observational

Berberine

500 mg × 3/day with meals

RCT

NOT during breastfeeding (insufficient safety data).

Monitor + cadence

What to track

75g OGTT at 6-12 weeks postpartum (mandatory)
Annual HbA1c or fasting glucose
BMI + waist annually
Lipid panel annually

Red flags — seek care

HbA1c > 6.5% → T2D — start treatment plan
Fasting glucose > 126 mg/dL → T2D

Sources

ADA 2024 Standards of Care
Diabetes Prevention Program (NEJM 2002)

Make this plan yours.

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