Health and Wellbeing Queensland are currently running a co-design study with women who have had Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) called: Healthy Horizons – Living well after GDM.  

The study aims to create a targeted health program designed to support the health and wellbeing of women who have had GDM in the past 3 years. The aim is to help these women stay healthy as long as possible long-term. 

In 2018, 1 in 7 Queensland women were diagnosed with GDM during pregnancy. Rates have doubled since 2009 and are projected to increase to 42% of pregnant women by 2030 if the trend continues.  

Women who are diagnosed with GDM are 8 to 10 times more likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus after pregnancy compared to women who did not have GDM. The highest risk is within 3 to 6 years after giving birth. 

What the study involves:

Women who have joined the study will take part in a government funded, free of charge health program, delivered either online or over the phone. Surveys relevant to the health program are sent at different time points, with survey completion incentivised by a $150 e-gift voucher to thank participants for their time.

Eligibility criteria to join the study included a previous history of GDM, a child aged 2 or under and live in Queensland.