Women who have had diabetes during pregnancy encouraged to sign up to prevention course

Women with a history of diabetes during pregnancy have been encouraged to come forward to join a free NHS programme designed to help them reduce their risk of the condition coming back.

The programme – ‘Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme’ – has a track record of helping people to cut their risk by up to a third.

Every year, as many as 30,000 pregnant women in Britain are thought to experience gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), high blood sugar which develops during pregnancy and then usually disappears after giving birth.  Of those who have GDM, as many as half go on to develop type 2 diabetes within five years, and the risk is higher thereafter.

Dr Sanhita Chakrabarti, deputy chief medical officer and lead for maternal health at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“The Healthier You programme is designed to help people who have a higher risk of diabetes to reduce that risk.

“Women who have experienced GDM have a very much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is a leading cause of sight loss in people of working age, as well as heart attacks, stroke, kidney failure and lower limb amputation.  People with diabetes are up to five times more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke than those without diabetes.

“I would strongly encourage anyone who is in that position, whether your GDM was very recent or many years ago, to come forward and join the course.”

David Fisher, engagement lead for the Healthier You programme in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, said:

“The Healthier You programme is available as a face-to-face group, a digital service and a group-based video-conference service specifically for women with GDM.  When you first call to speak to us, you will be able to choose your preferred option.

“Over a period of nine months, you’ll receive personalised support and practical tools to help with healthy eating, physical activity, lifestyle and weight management.  All of these have been proven to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

“You’re eligible if you’re over 18 and have ever had GDM during your pregnancy (including if you have it now), but you have never had a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.  You can get in touch with us yourself and you don’t need to be referred by your doctor or midwife.  You can complete the online form or call us on 0333 577 3010; we’re even open on Saturdays.”