A Systematic Review on Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus after Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Women with prior gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in later life. Lifestyle interventions aimed at postpartum weight loss to reduce T2DM risk have been reported but poor compliance remains a barrier. Objectives: To assess what preventative measures reduce type 2 diabetes prevalence among women with previous gestational diabetes. Method: Search Strategy: Electronic databases CINAHL Web of Science PubMed and EMBASE were searched via the e-library gateway of the University of Nottingham using key words combined in a formal search strategy. Selection Criteria: Randomized Controlled Trials and Cluster Randomized Controlled Trials examining what preventative measures reduce type 2 diabetes prevalence among women with previous gestational diabetes were selected. Results: 14 studies were identified for inclusion in the review after a stringent criterion and their data was extracted using JBI data extraction tool. Three themes were identified across the 14 studies mainly: weight management healthy eating and medication and physical activities. Most interventions had positive outcomes however a few had no significant impact in the prevention of T2DM. Conclusion: The likelihood of developing diabetes is higher for women with a history of GDM, increases with a high BMI, high fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, and elevated fasting glucose. This risk can be greatly reduced by making lifestyle adjustments or taking medication. The main risk factors that increase the risk of T2DM after GDM identified in this review were obesity, poor quality of diet and a sedentary lifestyle.