Julie A Quinlivan and Lam Danielle
Objectives: The primary objective was to investigate the prevalence of persisting diabetes and high cholesterol in postpartum women with prior Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM).
Research design and methods: All women with a diagnosis of GDM who delivered from April 2010 to 30 June 2012, at Joondalup Health Campus were included in the study. On the postnatal ward, women were given an appointment to attend a diabetes follow up clinic at 6-12 weeks postpartum. They were provided with a pathology request for a glucose tolerance test, fasting cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C and HDL and cardiac risk ratio.
Results: Of 4956 women with no prior known history of diabetes who delivered at the hospital over the audit period, 168 (3.4%) were diagnosed with GDM, of whom 136 attended for postpartum review (85%) at 6-12 weeks. Persisting glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes were diagnosed in 16% and 6% of the patients. Fasting cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein C and triglyceride levels in excess of Australian recommended standards were identified in 54%, 50% and 13% respectively.
Conclusions: 6% and 54% of women had persisting glucose and cholesterol abnormalities at 6-12 weeks postpartum. Specific follow up to address cardiovascular risk factors is recommended.