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News
Women with a history of gestational diabetes are developing type 2 diabetes alarmingly early — at a median age of just 43.5 years, compared to 56.3 years for those without that history. A Danish study also found 40% of these women were diagnosed before age 40. Researchers say closer screening and more intensive treatment may be urgently needed.
Women who experienced gestational diabetes during pregnancy aren't just at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes — they're developing it nearly 13 years earlier than women without that history. A new analysis from Denmark's DD2 cohort, set to be presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes annual meeting, found that women with prior gestational diabetes were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at a median age of 43.5 years, versus 56.3 years for those without it.
The study also revealed that these women may develop a more severe form of the disease. They were more likely to require insulin shortly after diagnosis and had lower fasting C-peptide levels — a marker of insulin production — suggesting reduced beta-cell function.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: These findings underscore a critical gap in follow-through on screening recommendations. Despite existing guidelines urging regular type 2 diabetes screening for women with gestational diabetes histories, adherence remains poor. Clinicians may need to not only push harder for screening but also prepare for earlier, more intensive management in this population.
