Postnatal lifestyle programme prevents weight gain after gestational diabetes

Moderate confidence

Some Concerns bias

Last updated June 15, 2026

Key Takeaway:

This study tested a lifestyle programme for new mothers who had gestational diabetes, to help prevent later type 2 diabetes. Women in the programme maintained their weight while those receiving usual care gained weight over 12 months. However, most women did not fully participate in the programme, and there were no clear improvements in waist size or blood sugar.

Study at a Glance

What was studied

Effectiveness of a postnatal lifestyle modification programme in women with prior GDM

Participants

Young Adult (19–39), Middle Aged (40-64)

Female

with Prediabetes

Intervention

Lifestyle intervention for prediabetes

Outcomes

Body weight, Waist circumference, Fasting blood sugar (FBS), Depression score

Funding

Non-Industry Sponsored

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Main Effects

↓ Weight gain prevented: intervention group stable vs usual care +0.72 kg (difference −0.95 kg, p=0.04)

↔ Waist circumference: no significant difference between groups

↔ Fasting blood glucose: no significant difference between groups

Evidence Summary

Intervention	Outcome	Measured Change	Study Effect
Lifestyle intervention for prediabetes (Behavioral & Lifestyle)	Body weight (Weight & Anthropometrics)	Uncertain	Limited
Lifestyle intervention for prediabetes (Behavioral & Lifestyle)	Depression score (Patient-Reported)	Uncertain	Limited
Lifestyle intervention for prediabetes (Behavioral & Lifestyle)	Fasting blood sugar (FBS) (Glycemic Control)	Increase	Limited
Lifestyle intervention for prediabetes (Behavioral & Lifestyle)	Waist circumference (Weight & Anthropometrics)	Uncertain	Limited

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Keep in Mind

Low programme engagement: only 10% completed all sessions High attrition: 27% loss to follow-up in intervention group Baseline glucose profiles were near normal, limiting ability to detect changes Primary outcome (weight) significant but other primary outcomes (waist, glucose) non-significant

Between the Lines

Low programme engagement: only 10% completed all sessions High attrition: 27% loss to follow-up in intervention group Baseline glucose profiles were near normal, limiting ability to detect changes Primary outcome (weight) significant but other primary outcomes (waist, glucose) non-significant