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Prediabetes: Progression to Type 2 Diabetes in Women Who've Had Gestational Diabetes

After 3 years, about 20 out of 100 women who made major lifestyle changes got type 2 diabetes. Compare that to about 22 out of 100 women who took metformin and about 38 out of 100 women who took a placebo pill and got type 2 diabetes. After 10 years, about 56 out of 100 women who made major lifestyle changes got type 2 diabetes. Compare that to about 51 out of 100 women who took metformin and about 65 out of 100 women who took a placebo pill and got type 2 diabetes.>

Making major lifestyle changes or taking metformin both work better than a placebo pill at delaying or preventing type 2 diabetes in women who have had gestational diabetes for up to 3 years. A follow-up study at 10 years showed that taking metformin works a little better than making major lifestyle changes in helping to delay or prevent type 2 diabetes.

The information shown here is based on the best available evidence.

Current as of: October 2, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

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