Understanding Diabetes Types and Causes, Chapter 7: Prediabetes and Gestational Diabetes
Long-Term Follow-Up After Gestational Diabetes
Why follow-up blood sugar tests matter after a pregnancy with gestational diabetes.
You can describe why follow-up testing matters after a pregnancy affected by gestational diabetes.
Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that shows up during pregnancy. It usually goes away after birth.
But it can raise your chance of type 2 diabetes later.
Think of a warning light on a car. The light can go off, yet the car still needs a checkup.
Your first blood sugar test is usually done 6 to 12 weeks after birth. After that, tests repeat every one to three years.
Some plans test about once a year. Regular checkups help track your risk. They can catch changes early.
Your clinic sets your exact schedule.
Follow-up care often talks about breastfeeding and healthy eating.
The CDC notes that breastfeeding may modestly lower your chance of type 2 diabetes. Healthy eating comes up in follow-up care too. Neither one promises a result.
Key takeaways
- Gestational diabetes usually goes away after birth, but type 2 risk can stay higher.
- The first blood sugar test is due 6 to 12 weeks after birth.
- Breastfeeding may modestly lower type 2 risk, and healthy eating comes up in follow-up care.
Try it
If you already have a test date, write it on your calendar. If not, ask your care team when it is due.