Studies show that developing diabetes during pregnancy can be predicted up to seven years before. This is done by monitoring risk factors that may lead to diabetes during in pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is known to make women more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes during pregnancy. By monitoring the increase of GDM during pregnancy women can avoid developing diabetes. GDM generally starts around the second or third trimester. GDM increases the baby’s risk for diabetes, obesity and metabolic disorders down the road. It also can lead to women having to have Cesarean sections.

The Kaiser Permanent Division of Research suggests that health check-ups are necessary to monitor heart conditions, diabetes and cancer. A study was conducted to see the links of increased risk of GDM. Women, who were overweight, had high blood sugar and blood pressure and adverse cholesterol before pregnancy have a higher risk of developing GDM.

The study is of importance because it gives a good understanding of pre-pregnancy predictors that can help identify women who may be at risk of diabetes in pregnancy.