Having diabetes in pregnancy doesn’t have to lead to permanent diabetes – that is the message that health professionals in the Midwest Murchison region are promoting during National Diabetes Week this year.

 Approximately 7% of Australian women develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, although it is more common in older women and certain ethnic groups.  Good management of gestational diabetes is important, but women who have had gestational diabetes during their pregnancy are up to 6 times more likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes that other women.

 “Although there are risk factors that women can’t change, such as their age and family history of diabetes, we know that keeping to a healthy weight through diet and exercise after the baby is born can greatly reduce the risk of developing diabetes later on “ said Robin Blake, Community Nurse and member of the Midwest Diabetes Network.

 “In addition, quitting smoking and carefully planning future pregnancies reduces the risk for Type 2 diabetes”.

 “Having a new baby and finding time to look after yourself can be difficult”, said Kylee Cox, Nutrition Coordinator for the Midwest Murchison region.  “The Midwest Diabetes Network would like to start a healthy lifestyle program for women who have had gestational diabetes, so that we can help these mums to reduce their risk for diabetes later in life”.

 For women who have had gestational diabetes and would like to learn more about healthy eating and exercise for weight loss, please contact Community Health on 99561985.

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