Postpartum Glucose Intolerance in Women with a History of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: An In-Depth Review

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increasing in prevalence worldwide, and postpartum glucose intolerance represents one of the major complications after delivery in women with GDM. A wide range of risk factors for postpartum glucose intolerance have been identified, including ethnicity, genetic predisposition, age, obesity, pre-pregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain, history of GDM, family history of diabetes, degree of hyperglycemia, insulin treatment, lipid profiles, and other metabolic factors. Lifestyle interventions, including weight loss, are thought to reduce the risk of postpartum glucose intolerance. Careful attention should be paid to the screening of postpartum glucose intolerance in women with GDM, and concerted efforts should be made to prevent or delay the development of diabetes and other metabolic disorders.