Short summary

This PhD investigates future health implications after gestational diabetes (GDM). The study is based on register and laboratory data and focuses on incidences of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and psychiatric illnesses in women with previous GDM in Denmark in 1997-2018. The study will contribute to improved risk stratification and optimization of postpartum awareness and management of health care to women with previous GDM

Rationale

Gestational diabetes (GDM) is an increasingly common condition and is associated with increased risk of future morbidity. Thus postpartum follow-up is important but many do not attend and knowledge about optimal postpartum test method regarding prediction of future morbidity is lacking.

Aims are to investigate women with previous GDM and:

1) Incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) or cardiovascular diseases (CVD)

2) Incidence of psychiatric disorders

3) Characteristics of non-attending women at postpartum follow-up and their risk of T2D, CVD or psychiatric disorders

4) Predictive value of two postpartum test methods (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) vs. glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)) with regards to development of T2D or CVD

Description of the cohort

A nationwide, historical cohort of all women giving birth in Denmark in 1997-2018.

A local,  historical subcohort of all women giving birth at Odense University Hospital in 1997-2018

Data and biological material

Register data

Laboratory data (existing)