BUILDING HEALTH RESILIENCE: A HOLISTIC MODEL FOR SUPPORTING GESTATIONAL DIABETES SURVIVORS

Females diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) face an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus in the future (Ballamy et al., 2009). To mitigate this risk, it is crucial for women with a history of GDM to maintain healthy behaviors during the postpartum period, both to prevent diabetes and to manage blood glucose levels during pregnancy (Aroda et al., 2015). However, numerous challenges hinder the continuation of health-maintaining behaviors among these women, including childcare responsibilities and inadequate support from their environment (Zehle et al., 2008; England et al., 2009; Koh et al., 2010; Razee et al., 2010). This review explores the importance of postpartum health-maintaining behaviors for females with a history of GDM and the obstacles they encounter in adhering to these behaviors. It examines the impact of childcare responsibilities and lack of support on their ability to maintain healthy habits, as well as the implications for their long-term health outcomes. Additionally, strategies to overcome these barriers and support women in adopting and sustaining health-promoting behaviors postpartum are discussed.