Recent data reveals a concerning rise in Type 2 diabetes among young women, with experts suggesting a lack of post-pregnancy care for women who develop diabetes during pregnancy may be contributing to this trend.
An analysis conducted by Diabetes UK indicates that the incidence of this condition is increasing at a rate twice as fast in younger adult females compared to older women. This surge is potentially linked to gestational diabetes (GD), a condition where pregnant women struggle to produce sufficient insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
While GD typically resolves after childbirth, individuals are at a heightened risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later on. Colette Marshall, the chief executive of Diabetes UK, expressed concerns over the lack of follow-up care for women who experience GD during pregnancy, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance.
Diabetes UK’s findings from 2017/18 to 2023/24 show a 47% increase in Type 2 diabetes diagnoses among women under 40, compared to a 22% increase in women aged 40 to 79. The charity estimates that GD affects approximately 10% to 20% of pregnant women.
It is recommended that women with GD undergo HbA1c blood tests between six and 13 weeks postpartum, followed by yearly tests to monitor average blood sugar levels. However, a report from NHS England revealed that only 57% of women underwent an annual HbA1c test after experiencing GD.
This report also highlighted that within a year, 11% of women with GD developed prediabetes, while 15% progressed to Type 2 diabetes within a decade. Colette emphasized the urgent need for preventive measures, especially for younger women at higher risk.
One woman, Meg, shared her experience of being diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy in 2020. Despite being considered high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes due to various factors, including a lack of postnatal diabetes risk assessments, she received minimal information and support regarding her condition.
Diabetes UK has reached out to women’s health minister Baroness Merron, urging immediate action to enhance postnatal care for individuals with GD. The organization advocates for increased awareness and support to empower women in managing their health before and after pregnancy.