Skip to content

Read more about Healthfirst in-network coverage.

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

Top of the page

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: July 7, 2025

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

Current as of: July 7, 2025

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.

© 2024-2025 Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

NOTICE: This health information was not created by Columbia University Irving Medical Center and may not necessarily reflect specific CUIMC practices. For medical advice to your personal condition, please consult your doctor. Medical advice disclaimer.