A*STAR Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences (9 APR)
Growing Up In Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes (GUSTO)
Gestational diabetes is an early indicator of possible metabolic dysfunction in early life. There is a known continuum of effects and risks from having gestational diabetes. While much of the current efforts are rightly concerned with the acute risks of gestational diabetes on the pregnancy and immediate post-partum risks for mother and child, we are looking long-term. In GUSTO, the Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences has found that the long-term risks of gestational diabetes are perhaps, equally alarming. In our mums with past gestational diabetes – approximately 4 – 5 in 10 get some degree of glucose impairment within a short 5 years post-partum. This includes women who develop type 2 diabetes, and demonstrates a need for us to recognize and address gestational diabetes, and track metabolic health consistently.