Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) places a woman at high risk of developing subsequent
type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), particularly in the first 5 years postpartum. Engaging
women in health behavior change during this period is challenging and current diabetes
prevention programs were developed for middle-aged adults, all of which have limited
the evidence on successful implementation for this high-risk population. In this review,
we will first summarize the effects of existing diabetes prevention programs in women
with a history of GDM. Second, we suggest that the programs need to be modified according
to the facilitators and barriers faced by this population. Third, we propose that
improving program penetration, fidelity, and participation is critical for population-level
success. Finally, we outline the research priorities to improve the implementation
of diabetes prevention programs for postpartum women with a history of GDM.
Keywords
diabetes prevention - postpartum women - gestational diabetes
