Surge in Type 2 Diabetes Among Young Women Linked to Lack of Follow-Up Care Post-Gestational Diabetes
‘I had gestational diabetes during my pregnancy. Six years later, I’ve yet to receive any follow-up care’
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Recent analysis reveals that type 2 diabetes rates are rising faster among younger women, attributed to insufficient follow-up care after gestational diabetes (GD). Diabetes UK emphasizes the need for timely postnatal checks to mitigate long-term health risks.
- 01Type 2 diabetes diagnoses among women under 40 increased by 47% from 2017/18 to 2023/24.
- 02Only 57% of women with gestational diabetes received annual HbA1c tests post-pregnancy.
- 0311% of women with GD developed prediabetes within a year, while 15% progressed to type 2 diabetes within ten years.
- 04Diabetes UK has urged the government for improved postnatal support for women with GD.
- 05Meg, a 33-year-old teacher, highlights her lack of follow-up care after being diagnosed with GD in 2020.
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A new analysis by Diabetes UK indicates that type 2 diabetes is rising at an alarming rate among younger women, with a 47% increase in diagnoses for those under 40 from 2017/18 to 2023/24, compared to 22% for older women. This trend is linked to inadequate follow-up care for gestational diabetes (GD), which affects 10-20% of pregnant women. GD can lead to a significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes post-pregnancy. Despite recommendations for HbA1c blood tests to monitor diabetes risk, only 57% of women receive these checks. Colette Marshall, chief executive of Diabetes UK, emphasized the urgency of addressing this gap in care, stating that pregnancy should not lead to long-term health issues. Personal accounts, such as that of Meg, a 33-year-old teacher, illustrate the lack of support and information provided to women after experiencing GD. Diabetes UK is advocating for improved postnatal care and has reached out to the women's health minister for action.
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The rising rates of type 2 diabetes among younger women could lead to increased healthcare costs and a greater burden on health services.
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