GDM converts to DM within 10 years in approximately what percent?

• A. 10%
• B. 20%
• C. 30%
• D. 40%

Answer: (C)

After a pregnancy affected by gestational diabetes, there’s a higher risk that glucose regulation will not return to normal and that type 2 diabetes may develop later. Across studies, the typical long-term risk is about one in three women within the first ten years after giving birth. This reflects ongoing insulin resistance and potential beta-cell stress that can persist postpartum, so regular screening and healthy lifestyle changes are important to reduce risk. The other options are outside the usual range: a much smaller fraction would underestimate the risk, while a larger fraction would overstate it for most populations.