Preventing diabetes in pregnancy

Diabetes in pregnancy, including gestational diabetes, is putting increasing strain on the ACT’s health system. This PDF factsheet explains how our dynamic simulation model reinforces the long-term benefits for women and their children of taking action to prevent this condition. The rise in risk factors such as overweight and obesity, older mothers and more women from high-risk ethnic groups means that diabetes in pregnancy is increasing both in the ACT and Australia. Find out about the dynamic simulation model that the Prevention Centre developed by combining research and data with insights from experts including leading academics, policy makers and clinicians. Potential risks associated with gestational diabetes include type 2 diabetes in mothers, high birthweight, birth complications, hypoglycaemia, increased risk of being overweight/obese and long-term impaired glucose tolerance. Read our factsheet for a definition of gestational diabetes, a case study, findings from the model and charts showing what happens to insulin sensitivity during pregnancy.