Patterns of Diagnosis and Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes in Women with a History of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to identify patterns of diagnosis and to explore risk factors for type 2 diabetes beyond the postpartum period in women with a previous history of gestational diabetes, and to identify differences in such risk factors between early and late-onset (aged <45 and≥45). Methods: Using epidemiological data from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study, a retrospective analysis of 175 women with various timings of type 2 diabetes diagnosis was performed. Results: The average age (42.6±10.6) at type 2 diabetes diagnosis was earlier than the general population, and obesity was prevalent with marked weight gains around 35 years old. Longer duration of breastfeeding was observed in women with late-onset of type 2 diabetes. Conclusion: For prevention of type 2 diabetes, early intervention is required, and modifiable factors such as weight control and breastfeeding should be taken into consideration for intervention strategies.