Emily Lam highlights rising gestational diabetes rates in US populations

Rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have risen substantially in the United States in recent years, with a 36% increase observed between 2016 and 2024, according to findings discussed by Emily Lam, MD/MPH student at Northwestern University.

This increase was consistent across the overall population and across 6 primary racial and ethnic groups examined in the analysis, underscoring the broad scope of the trend. While all groups experienced rising rates, notable disparities persisted. The highest prevalence of gestational diabetes was observed among American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander individuals, highlighting ongoing inequities in maternal health outcomes.

Gestational diabetes carries significant clinical implications for both pregnant individuals and their offspring. For mothers, a diagnosis of GDM is associated with an elevated risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease later in life. These long-term risks extend beyond pregnancy and emphasize the importance of continued medical follow-up after delivery.

For infants, gestational diabetes increases the likelihood of adverse birth outcomes, including being born large for gestational age and experiencing birth trauma. The effects may also persist into childhood and adulthood, with higher risks of overweight, obesity, and cardiometabolic disease observed across the life course.

Lam emphasized that appropriate management during and after pregnancy is critical to mitigating these risks. During pregnancy, individuals with gestational diabetes require close monitoring to determine whether lifestyle interventions or pharmacologic treatment are necessary.

Following delivery, ongoing primary care is essential, including regular screening for type 2 diabetes and management of cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure and lipid levels. Primary care clinicians can also play a key role in referring patients to preventive programs, such as the Diabetes Prevention Program, which focuses on weight management and lifestyle modification to reduce future diabetes risk.

Looking ahead, Lam highlighted the need for further research to better understand the mechanisms by which gestational diabetes leads to adverse maternal and offspring outcomes. Continued investigation is needed to inform effective clinical management strategies and to identify policies and public health programs capable of reversing current trends.

She noted that the rapid rise in gestational diabetes rates reflects broader shortcomings in how the health of pregnant individuals and young Americans is supported. Addressing these challenges will require population-level interventions aimed at creating healthier environments and improving long-term cardiometabolic health outcomes.

No relevant disclosures.

Reference

Gestational diabetes rose every year in the US since 2016. Northwestern University. December 29, 2025. Accessed January 6, 2026.