Any woman can develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, but you're at an increased risk if:

• your body mass index (BMI) is above 30 – use the BMI healthy weight calculator to work out your BMI
• you previously had a baby who weighed 4.5kg (10lb) or more at birth
• you had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
• 1 of your parents or siblings has diabetes
• you are of south Asian, Black, African-Caribbean or Middle Eastern origin (even if you were born in the UK)

Treatment:

Blood sugar levels may be reduced by changing your diet and exercise routine.

Read the full the page here: Gestational diabetes - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

For local information about the Diabetes antenatal Clinic in Leicester please visit here

Babysteps

Babysteps is the first digital programme of its kind to offer support and advice to women at risk of developing type 2 diabetes as a result of a diagnosis of gestational diabetes

www.babysteps.fit

Every 2 minutes someone is diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. It's estimated around 5 million people across England are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Did you know that 1 in 2 people that have a history of gestational diabetes will go on to develop Type 2 diabetes within 5 to 10 years? Sadly, many people will go on to develop the condition simply because they don't know enough about the condition and how to prevent it. But the good news is, this condition can be prevented by making lifestyle changes with the support of your Local NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.

The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme is open to those at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes to help reduce their chances of developing the condition. The programme consists of a mixture of 1-to-1 and group sessions delivered by specially trained health and wellbeing coaches. Throughout the programme, participants learn how to prevent diabetes by incorporating healthier eating, physical activity, problem-solving, stress-reduction and healthy habits into their daily lives. More information on the eligibility criteria can be found on the NHS website: https://preventing-diabetes.co.uk/referrers/leicester/.

The health problems associated with Type 2 diabetes can be profound, serious and life changing. It can affect many different organs across the body and lead to chronic complications such as:

• Heart disease and stroke
• Vision loss and blindness
• Kidney failure
• Nerve damage
• Foot problems like diabetic foot disease

To access the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme, there are a number of referral pathways:

1) If you have a history of gestational diabetes and you have had a blood test from your GP within the last 12 months with a HbA1c less than 48mmol/mol or less than 6.5%, or fasting plasma glucose result less than 6.9 mmol/l, your GP can refer you onto the programme. Or if you don't have a history of gestational diabetes, but you have a prediabetic blood result (HbA1c 42-47.9mmol/mol or 6-6.4%, or fasting plasma glucose result 5.5 –6.9 mmol/l) in the last 12 months, your GP can refer you.

2) Alternatively, using the date of your eligible blood test, the blood test result and your NHS number, you can self-refer on the NHS website: https://preventing-diabetes.co.uk/referral/ or by calling us on 0333 577 3010.

3) For the general public who don't have a recent blood test result, you can establish if you are at risk of Type 2 diabetes by completing a short questionnaire called the Know Your Risk Tool on the NHS website: https://preventing-diabetes.co.uk/know-your-risk-dtc. Those who score moderate to high risk (a score of 16+) on this Know Your Risk questionnaire will be advised to book a blood test at their GP surgery to receive a blood test to identify if you're eligible for the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.

Have you experienced any of the following symptoms?

• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Drowsiness and tiredness
• Weakness
• Blurred vision
• Cuts that don't heal

If you notice any of these symptoms, this may be a sign that you're at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. If you are experiencing these symptoms, please visit your GP for advice as you may be eligible for the free NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.

Some of the risk factors which can increase your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes include:

• Having a history of gestational diabetes
• Giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds
• Being overweight or obese
• Being inactive
• Having high blood pressure
• Having high cholesterol
• Having a close family member with Type 2 diabetes

For more information about the service please contact your local provider:

Email: info@preventing-diabetes.co.uk

Website: https://preventing-diabetes.co.uk/