A review of interventions to prevent Type 2 Diabetes after Gestational Diabetes.

Ann S Peacock, Fiona Bogossian, H David McIntyre, Shelley Wilkinson

Journal: Women and birth : journal of the Australian College of Midwives 2016;27(4):e7-e15

PMID: 25262356

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) during pregnancy is a risk factor for the development of Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) within 15 years, and prevention programmes have been problematic.

QUESTION

The aim of the study is to identify effective strategies and programmes to decrease the risk of T2DM in women who experience GDM, the barriers to participation, and the opportunities for midwives to assist women in prevention.

METHODS

English language, peer reviewed and professional literature published between 1998 and 2013 were searched. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken, included studies were then appraised for quality and finally findings of the studies were thematically analysed.

FINDINGS

This review identified that there are interventions that are effective, however most lifestyle changes are difficult to translate into everyday life. As the incidence of GDM is expected to rise, midwives' role in promoting long-term health behaviours requires further review.

CONCLUSIONS

Women need to overcome barriers and be supported in making the behavioural changes necessary to prevent T2DM following GDM. Midwives as the primary carers for women in pregnancy and childbirth are ideally positioned to educate women and engage them in lifestyle and behaviour programmes that prevent the onset of Type 2 Diabetes.

Address: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Herston Campus, Edith Cavell Building, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia; Mothers and Babies Theme, Mater Research, Mater Health Services, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia. Electronic address: [email protected].; School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Herston Campus, Edith Cavell Building, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia.; Mater Clinical School, The University of Queensland, Australia; Mothers and Babies Theme, Mater Research, Mater Health Services, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia.; Mothers and Babies Theme, Mater Research, Mater Health Services, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia; Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, Mater Health Services, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia.

DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2014.09.002