Had gestational diabetes? Have you had your follow up appointment? You are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Thinking about another pregnancy? Speak to your GP for advice, find NHS preconception advice
online or Tommy’s Pregnancy Planning Tool. You need to have a blood test (called an HBa1c) at your GP practice 13 weeks after giving birth and then every year for life. This monitors your blood sugar levels to check your risk of type 2 diabetes.
Which traffic light are you at?
Red
I have not had my HBa1c blood test (13 weeks after giving birth or in last 12 months)
What should I do?
Contact your GP to book a HBa1c blood test to check your blood sugar levels as soon as possible.
Amber
I have had my HBa1c blood test, but I’m not sure how to manage my risk of developing type 2.
Read through the ‘What Care to Expect if you have gestational diabetes’ booklet. Search ‘what care gestational’ on www.diabetes.org.uk for a digital copy or call the Diabetes UK (DUK) Shop on 0800 585 088 to have this posted for FREE.
You can contact the DUK helpline on 0345 123 2399 for further support (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm).
Green
I have had my HBa1c blood test and feel confident to manage my risk of developing type 2.
What should I do?
Keep up the good work! Explore Diabetes UK resources on gestational diabetes and how to reduce your risk of type 2 or their helpline on 0345 123 2399 (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm)
Contact the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme to find out about their free & friendly in-person
and online courses to help you manage your risk of type 2 diabetes.
If you are unsure of which area you come under, please e-mail england.ndpp@nhs.net.
Thinking about another pregnancy? Speak to your GP for advice, find NHS preconception advice
online or Tommy’s Pregnancy Planning Tool.
Contact your GP if you are concerned about your risk of type 2 diabetes. This is 10 times greater than someone who hasn’t had gestational diabetes – but there’s lots of support available to help you live well.