Posted on: 21 May 2024
The NHS in West Yorkshire is urging anyone with a history of gestational diabetes to refer themselves to the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NDPP) to protect themselves and their babies from developing long term health problems.
Every year in England, out of the approximate 700,000 who give birth, it is estimated that around 30,000 develop Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM).
This type of diabetes is only associated with pregnancy and risk factors including having an unhealthy weight, a family history of diabetes from a first degree relative, have had a larger weight baby in a previous pregnancy (4.5kg/10lb or more) and/or being from a South Asian, Black, African Caribbean or Middle Eastern background.
Research shows up to fifty percent of those diagnosed with GDM go on to develop type 2 diabetes within five years of giving birth. Whilst GDM usually resolves following birth, it can have long lasting health consequences, including cardiovascular disease (CVD), future obesity, type 2 diabetes and/ or GDM in the child.
In West Yorkshire, the NHS diabetes prevention programme, called ‘Healthier You,’ supports people identified as being at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and is effective in preventing the condition. Healthier You is delivered by Reed Wellbeing in West Yorkshire.
During the 9-month programme, participants receive free personalised support with healthy eating, increasing their physical activity and managing their weight. Support is offered through digital one-to-one, face to face groups and a tailored group video offer.
The programme is now open to those with a history of gestational diabetes. You can refer yourself, without needing to go through a healthcare professional, although you can still be referred by your GP practice or your midwife may ask you to self-refer via the Healthier You website. For more information, please visit Gestational Diabetes | Healthier You | Diabetes Prevention (reedwellbeing.com).
Jenny Roddy, Consultant Midwife at Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust said, “People who have had gestational diabetes in pregnancy have a high chance of experiencing it again in future pregnancies and around 50% of those diagnosed go on to develop type 2 diabetes within five years of giving birth.
“Type 2 diabetes is a serious long term health condition that requires lifelong management and ongoing healthcare support. Eating healthily and completing regular physical activity will help you to not only lose any extra weight gained during pregnancy but will lower your chance of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
“The healthier you programme will provide personalised support from a health coach to help you manage your weight, eat more healthily and be more physically active. You may be offered a referral as part of your ongoing care after birth, or you can choose to self-refer whilst you are pregnant to be ready to start the programme after your pregnancy. Join the many women with gestational diabetes coming together to Let’s DiaBEAT this and choose a healthier future for yourself and your family.”
Dr Waqas Tahir, Diabetes Clinical Lead for the NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, said: ’We know that those with a past history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is linked to a very high lifetime risk for the development of diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes.
“The national diabetes prevention programme cuts the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by more than a third for people completing the programme. This is why we are very excited to see this programme being made available to more women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus than ever before through the self -referral route. This means you can access the care and support you need quicker and more easily than going through your GP surgery. ‘’
Anyone aged 18 to 79 with a history of GDM can self-refer to the Healthier You programme. This can be at any point after GDM has been diagnosed; there is no time limit. It is also available to those who currently have GDM (i.e. are currently pregnant) although they would not be able to start the programme until they were no longer pregnant.
The programme is not suitable for those already living with type 2 diabetes. There are other interventions and care and support options available to people living with type 2 diabetes. Speak to a healthcare professional about these options.
Find out if your risk by completing the ‘Know Your Risk’ tool at Diabetes UK – Know Your Risk of Type 2 diabetes