Postpartum and contraception in women after gestational diabetes

Contraception and diabetes: Which modalities should we consider in 2021?

Diabetes affects many women of reproductive age. Choice of contraceptive method is essential in order to combine efficacy and the patient's wishes, while taking into account the potential side effects. In this review, we will discuss the different methods available for women with diabetes, focusing the discussion on their metabolic and general effects. We will not discuss the side effects and contraindications common to all women, whether they have diabetes or not. The objective is to try to identify an algorithm to help in the decision to choose the most suitable contraceptive method for women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

Gestational diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular risk after pregnancy

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects many women in pregnancy and is enhanced by epidemic conditions of obesity, increasing age at the time of the first pregnancy, stressful life conditions, a sedentary lifestyle with less physical activity and unhealthy nutrition with highly processed, high-calorie food intake. GDM does not affect the mother and offspring in pregnancy alone, as there is compelling evidence of the long-term effects of the hyperglycemic state in pregnancy postpartum. Type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome are more common in GDM women, and even the offspring of GDM women are reported to have higher obesity rates and a higher risk for noncommunicable diseases. Early prevention of risk factors seems to be key to overcoming the vicious cycle of cardiometabolic disease onset.