GESTATIONAL DIABETES MASSIVELY INCREASES RISK OF DIABETES. We’ve always known that gestational diabetes (GDM) puts the mother at risk for diabetes and I’ve always tried to educate the patient that they are at much greater risk. However, I never really realized just how much. Being obese and at risk for GDM, but not actually being diagnosed with GDM had almost THIRTEEN times the risk of becoming diabetic. That’s really, really high. But wait! There’s more! Being obese AND being diagnosed with GDM led to over FORTY-SEVEN times higher risk. Nothing is certain, but this is one of the highest I think I’ve ever seen.
The bottom line? Before getting pregnant, a couple (NOT just the mother) needs to make changes to lower their weight. If they become pregnant while obese and develop GDM, these patients have no option but hammer down on lifestyle to cut this massive risks down.