Emerging science: Interventions in women at risk of GDM during pregnancy

Abstract

As the prevalence of diabetes continues to rise worldwide, it is increasingly important to identify high-risk populations and to implement strategies to delay or prevent diabetes onset. Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at substantially increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and obesity, both currently epidemic in the United States. Diagnosis of GDM, therefore, provides an excellent opportunity to intervene years before the development of this disorder. Indeed, women may be more likely to adopt healthy lifestyle habits during pregnancy and maintain these habits into the postpartum period. This chapter will summarize interventions which rely on lifestyle modifications to prevent GDM or mitigate the effects of GDM during pregnancy. These include changes in diet, as well as physical activity, both of which are established risk factors in the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. The chapter concludes with recommendations for future intervention studies. © 2010 Springer-Verlag London Limited.