LONG-TERM HEALTH OUTCOMES AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN WOMEN WITH GESTATIONAL DIABETES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Rawan Deham Aledeilah*, Norah Ayed Ayash Alenezi, Abdulaziz Saud Alhelal, Nouf Ayed A Alenezi, Basmah Darzi Abdullah Alanezi, Maryam Fahad Alenezi, Eman Roshdy Mohamed, Kholoud Obeid H Al Bathaly, Omar Mohammed F. Aldosari, Nasserullah Kulib Albalawi, Abdulrahman Ahmed M Alnujaydi and Omaima Anan Omer Hamid

Objectives: To comprehensively assess the available evidence on the long-term health outcomes of women diagnosed with gestational diabetes (GDM).

Methods: A detailed computerized search of relevant databases was conducted to identify studies that met the inclusion criteria. The search encompassed PubMed, SCOPUS, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to find pertinent research.

Results: Our analysis included nine studies with a total of 39,969 patients diagnosed with GDM. Women with a history of GDM are at a significantly increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) later in life. Factors such as early GDM diagnosis, obesity, and multifetal pregnancies further elevate this risk. Geographic and socioeconomic differences also influence the progression of T2DM. Additionally, GDM is associated with long-term cardiovascular complications, including impaired cardiac function and increased risk of myocardial infarction. Clinical management should include comprehensive postpartum monitoring and personalized interventions to mitigate these risks. Future research should focus on understanding the underlying mechanisms and developing targeted prevention strategies to improve long-term health outcomes in this high-risk population.

Conclusion: Women having a history of GDM are at a greatly elevated risk of acquiring T2DM and CVD later in life. These findings highlight the importance of providing proactive and customized postpartum care to reduce these risks.