Beyond pregnancy: life-course management of gestational diabetes mellitus and its intergenerational impact: comprehensive review

Vidyashri R.; Nirmala M.; Beaulah Mercy Mary T.; P. Vanaja; Usha H. T.; Anne Roslin; Mohammed Umar; Pauline Sharmila; Nidigantla Subrahmanyam; Suhashini; Deepa N. R.

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20262307

Authors

Vidyashri R. Department of Community Health Nursing, Shridevi Institute of Nursing, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Tumkur, Karnataka, India
Nirmala M. Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, PSG College of Nursing, The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
Beaulah Mercy Mary T. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Nursing, Vatsalya Institute of Nursing & Paramedical Sciences, Shillong, Meghalaya, India
P. Vanaja Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, Madras Medical College, The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Usha H. T. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Nursing, GIMS Government College of Nursing, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Gadag, Karnataka, India
Anne Roslin Department of Nursing, GEMS Multi Speciality Hospital, Sikaria, Rohtas, Bihar, India
Mohammed Umar Department of Nursing, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, India https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8249-3803
Pauline Sharmila Department of Pediatric Nursing, Tagore College of Nursing, The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Tamil Nadu, India
Nidigantla Subrahmanyam Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Asram College of Nursing, Malkapuram, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, India
Suhashini Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Nursing, H.K.E.S College of Nursing, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India
Deepa N. R. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Nursing, ESIC College of Nursing, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20262307

Keywords:

Gestational diabetes mellitus, Intergenerational health, Life-course management, Maternal health, Offspring metabolic risk, Type 2 diabetes

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common metabolic disorder occurring during pregnancy and is increasingly recognized as a major public health concern due to its long-term implications for both mothers and their offspring. Although traditionally considered a temporary condition limited to pregnancy, growing evidence suggests that GDM is an early indicator of future metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. This review aimed to examine the life-course management of gestational diabetes mellitus and explore its intergenerational impact on maternal and offspring health. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and Google Scholar. Relevant studies published between 2000 and 2024 were identified using keywords related to gestational diabetes, postpartum management, life-course approach and intergenerational health outcomes. The findings indicate that women with a history of GDM have a significantly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders later in life. In addition, exposure to maternal hyperglycemia during pregnancy increases the risk of obesity, insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in offspring, supporting the concept of developmental programming. Lifestyle interventions, breastfeeding, postpartum screening and integrated healthcare services were found to be effective strategies in reducing long-term risks. Adopting a life-course approach that includes early detection, continuous monitoring and preventive interventions is essential to break the cycle of intergenerational metabolic disease and improve long-term maternal and child health outcomes.

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