Third-party Funded Project Diabetes Prevention after Gestational Diabetes

A glucose tolerance disorder persisting beyond pregnancy occurs in 30-40% of women affected by gestational diabetes. Additionally, there is a sevenfold increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) over the course of life. Data from scientific studies suggest that nearly one in two women with a history of gestational diabetes will develop manifest T2DM within ten years. Nevertheless, nearly 70% of women with gestational diabetes do not attend postpartum follow-up visits to check whether their glucose metabolism has normalized after pregnancy.

The aim of this project is, based on the results of a large collaborative project (GestDiNa_basic project), to further investigate the reasons for missing follow-up examinations and identify approaches for better care (step 1), in order to then implement targeted education, training, and information measures (step 2). This will help to reach more women with prevention measures before the onset of manifest diabetes. In addition to the GestDiNa_basic project, the focus will particularly be on midwives as an involved professional group, and the differences between rural and urban healthcare will be investigated.