Type 2 Diabetes - Is There A Connection Between Gestational Diabetes and Postpartum Depression?

It has been known for some time Gestational diabetes, the type of diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy, is important to prevent or control for a number of reasons. Mothers diagnosed with Gestational diabetes are...

at risk for developing full-blown Type 2 diabetes after delivery, and

children of mothers diagnosed with diabetes during pregnancy are at a high risk for becoming overweight, obese, and developing Type 2 diabetes.
According to a study reported on in the Journal of Obstetrical and Gynaecological Research in August 2014, postpartum depression could be one more good reason to prevent or control Gestational diabetes.Researchers at the Public Department in Sari, Iran, looked at 1801 pregnant women who were...

found to be free of depression by 32 to 42 weeks of their pregnancy.
By the first two weeks after delivery...

6.7 percent of the mothers were diagnosed with postpartum depression.
Women who had diabetes diagnosed for the first time during their pregnancy, were almost three times as likely to have postpartum depression as those without the condition. Other risk factors for postpartum depression included...

previous depression or other psychiatric disorder,

recurrent urinary tract infection,

unwanted pregnancy, and

low-income.
To prevent developing Gestational diabetes, lose excess weight before conception and gain only the recommended number of pounds during pregnancy. Walking or other physical activity is helpful - with the approval of your doctor.


Postpartum depression is defined by the Mayo Clinic in the United States as a more severe and long-lasting form of the 'baby blues' which usually clears up in a few days. Women with postpartum depression can complain of...

loss of appetite,

insomnia,

irritability and unusual anger,

fatigue,

loss of interest in sex,

feeling sad, mood swings,

difficulty bonding with baby,

withdrawal from friends and family, and

thoughts of hurting themselves or their babies.
Symptoms should be reported to your doctor if they...

last beyond two weeks,

don't get better,

make it difficult to care for yourself or your family, or

cause you to have thoughts of hurting yourself or your child.
Treatment can include thyroid hormone replacement if your natural thyroid level is low. Estrogen replacement to make up for the natural lowering of estrogen levels accompanying childbirth have also been used successfully. Some antidepressants safe to use when breastfeeding can also help. Talking things over with a psychiatrist or psychologist can help new mothers to cope. Sometimes family counseling is effective.Getting help taking care of their baby and learning how to give good care can help new mothers feel more effective and relieve their stress.