LIFELONG WELLNESS: ADVANCING HEALTHIER LIFESTYLES IN POST-GESTATIONAL DIABETIC WOMEN

Abstract

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) predisposes females to a heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future (Ballamy et al., 2009). Therefore, it is crucial for individuals with a history of GDM to adopt and sustain healthy behaviors postpartum to prevent diabetes and maintain blood glucose control during subsequent pregnancies (Aroda et al., 2015). However, numerous challenges, including childcare responsibilities and inadequate support networks, often hinder the continuation of health-maintaining behaviors among GDM survivors (Zehle et al., 2008; England et al., 2009; Koh et al., 2010; Razee et al., 2010). Recent research has shown that intensive lifestyle interventions led by healthcare professionals can be effective in promoting weight loss and preventing type 2 diabetes among females with a history of GDM (Guo et al., 2016). This abstract proposes a model titled "Pathways to Health," aimed at promoting healthy behaviors in GDM survivors. The model emphasizes interventions targeting diet improvement, increased physical activity, lifestyle modifications, and breastfeeding promotion to mitigate the risk of diabetes onset in this population