Type 2 diabetes is on the rise in younger women, and one of the biggest drivers behind this trend is gestational diabetes (GDM) – a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy.
The Reality of Missed Follow-Up Care
Your Risk After Gestational Diabetes
Here’s the reality:
- Up to 50% of women with gestational diabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes within 5–10 years
- 11% of women develop prediabetes within five years of having GDM
- 15% develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years
Follow-Up Care Is Falling Short
Yet despite this high risk, follow-up care is shockingly inconsistent:
- Only 57% of women with a history of GDM received an annual HbA1c blood test, despite this being recommended for all
- Just 4.5% were referred to or received support from the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme
A Diabetes UK-funded survey found that more than a third of women with GDM felt abandoned by healthcare services after giving birth.
Key Risk Factors for Younger Women
You may be at higher risk of type 2 diabetes if you have:
- Previous gestational diabetes – the single most important modifiable risk factor for younger women
- A family history of type 2 diabetes
- Overweight or obesity – women often bear a greater risk factor burden at diagnosis, especially obesity
- Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS)
- South Asian, Black African, or Afro-Caribbean ethnicity – these groups face higher risk
- High blood pressure
- Previous large baby (over 4kg/8lb 13oz at birth)
Symptoms to Watch For – Don’t Ignore These Signs
Type 2 diabetes symptoms can be subtle and easy to dismiss. Common signs in women include:
Common Signs in Women
| Symptom | What to Look For |
| Increased thirst | Feeling constantly thirsty, unable to quench it |
| Frequent urination | Going to the toilet more often, especially at night |
| Extreme tiredness | Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest |
| Blurred vision | Changes in eyesight |
| Recurrent infections | Frequent yeast infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs) |
| Slow-healing wounds | Cuts or bruises that take longer to heal |
| Unexplained weight changes | Weight gain or loss without trying |
| Dark patches on skin | Darkening of skin around the neck or armpits |
If you notice any of these, see your GP promptly.
What You Can Do
Get Checked – Don’t Wait
If you have any risk factors, especially if you’ve had gestational diabetes, ask your GP for an HbA1c blood test. This simple test measures your average blood sugar over the previous 2–3 months.
If You’ve Had Gestational Diabetes – Take Action Now
Request Annual HbA1c Checks
You can book this as part of a well woman health check with us.
Self-Referral to the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme
Self-refer to the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme if you live in England – you can do this without a GP referral. In Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, speak to your GP about available support.
What to Expect From the Programme
The programme typically offers group-based sessions on healthy eating, physical activity, and weight management, designed specifically to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes over time.
Focus on Prevention
Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference:
- Eat a balanced diet – reduce sugary drinks and processed foods
- Stay physically active – start small and build up gradually
- Maintain a healthy weight – even modest weight loss can reduce risk
- Limit alcohol and avoid smoking
Know Your Numbers
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol levels
- Weight – especially if you notice unintentional changes
Seek Support
Don’t go it alone. Local diabetes education, weight-management services, dietitians, and community programmes can help. If you face barriers – cost, transport, language – tell your clinician and ask about available support and translated resources.
When to See Your Doctor Urgently
Seek medical help immediately if you experience:
- Symptoms of high blood sugar (increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained fatigue, blurred vision)
- You’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy and have risk factors – early input matters
- Concerns about your blood sugar levels or diabetes risk
The Bottom Line
Type 2 diabetes is no longer just an older person’s disease. The sharp rise in younger women, particularly those who have had gestational diabetes, is a wake-up call we cannot ignore.
The good news? Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable. Early detection, regular follow-up after pregnancy, and accessing prevention support can make a huge difference.
As Colette Marshall of Diabetes UK has put it, pregnancy shouldn’t be a route to lasting ill health – yet too many women with GDM are left with little or no follow-up support once they’ve given birth.
If you’re concerned about your risk, speak to your GP today, or contact us for a confidential consultation about testing and prevention options. Don’t wait – your future health depends on it.
About the Author – Mr Javaid Muglu, Consultant Gynaecologist
eGynaecologist