Just 13% of women who have had gestational diabetes receive the right care after giving birth, leaving them at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, according to a study by researchers from the University of Surrey, presented today (Thursday 14 March) at the Diabetes UK Professional Conference 2013.
The study used data on nearly 800 women with gestational diabetes from GP practices across England. It found that only 102 (13%) of these women were recorded as having received one or more blood glucose tests following the delivery, as recommended by national guidelines.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence recommends that women who have had gestational diabetes are monitored post-birth, receiving blood glucose tests six weeks after delivery and then annually.
Gestational diabetes affects around 3.5% of pregnancies in England and Wales.
