The effect of blood sugar awareness on weight retention after gestational diabetes

The aim of this study was to see if women who were aware of their normal blood sugar levels after gestational diabetes (GDM) had more weight retention than those who were unaware of their blood sugar levels. The main finding of the study was that women who knew they had normal blood sugars after GDM had more weight retention than women who did not know their blood sugar levels.

GDM is where the body cannot control blood sugars during pregnancy. Therefore, a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and exercise during pregnancy is a key part of GDM treatment. Mostly, blood sugar control goes back to normal within 6 weeks of delivery. However, sometimes this can take longer.

Having GDM during pregnancy also increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Therefore, continuing a healthy lifestyle after pregnancy is very important. If women are aware that their blood sugars have returned to normal, they may stop their healthy behaviors that were started to reduce blood sugar levels. Therefore, they may have less weight loss (i.e. retain more weight).

It is unknown if women who know they have normal blood sugars will have more weight retention than women who do not know their blood sugar levels.

This study included 319 women who had GDM during pregnancy. 34.5% of these women were aware that their blood sugars had returned to normal in the first year (“aware, normal”). 8.2% of these women were aware that they still had abnormal blood sugar (“aware, abnormal”). 57.4% did not test their blood sugars and therefore, did not know how their blood sugar control was (“unaware”). Women were followed for 2 years after pregnancy.

Women in the “aware, normal” group, were an average 3.66kg heavier than women who were unaware by the end of the 2^nd year. The “aware, normal” group had retained an average of 2.37 kg compared to the “aware, abnormal” group, who had lost an average of 2.66kg.

The authors concluded that women who were aware that their blood sugars were normal after pregnancy were more likely to have more weight retention 2 years after delivery than women who did not know their blood sugar. The authors suggested that this was because they were less likely to engage in healthy sugar-reducing behaviors knowing they had normal blood sugar levels.

This study only had a small number of participants. Also, the number of patients in each group was unequal. Bigger studies are required for more solid evidence.

If you would like help and guidance on some healthy behaviors, please consult with your doctor.