One‐year postpartum weight retention and glucose intolerance in women with prediabetes after gestational diabetes

Abstract Aims To determine risk factors for 1‐year postpartum weight retention (PPWR) and glucose intolerance (prediabetes + diabetes) in women with a previous history of gestational diabetes (GDM) and prediabetes in early postpartum. Methods In this exploratory analysis of the MELINDA randomized controlled trial, we report data of 167 women with prediabetes at the 6–16 weeks (early) postpartum oral glucose tolerance test after a recent history of GDM. Results Of all participants, 45% (75) had PPWR >0 kg at 1‐year postpartum. Compared to women without PPWR, women with PPWR had higher gestational weight gain [10.5 ± 6.4 vs. 6.5 ± 4.5 kg, p < 0.001], higher BMI ( p < 0.01) and a worse metabolic profile (higher waist circumference, worse lipid profile and more insulin resistance) (all p < 0.05) both in early and late postpartum. Of all women with PPWR, 40.0% developed metabolic syndrome, compared to 18.9% of women without late PPWR ( p = 0.003). The only independent predictor for late PPWR was weight retention in early postpartum ( p < 0.001). Of all participants, 55.1% (92) had glucose intolerance (84 prediabetes, 8 diabetes) 1‐year postpartum. Independent predictors for late postpartum glucose intolerance were lower gestational age at start insulin therapy in pregnancy and delivery by caesarean section (resp. p = 0.044 and 0.014). Conclusions In women with a previous history of GDM and prediabetes in early postpartum, PPWR in early postpartum was a strong independent predictor for late PPWR, while earlier start of insulin therapy during pregnancy and delivery by caesarean section were independent predictors of glucose intolerance in late postpartum.