Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Which risk factor is associated with a higher chance of developing type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes?

1. Age over 30 years

2. Obesity

3. Family history of diabetes

4. Type 1 diabetes

The correct answer is: Obesity

Obesity is a significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes after experiencing gestational diabetes. This is primarily due to the role that excess body weight plays in insulin resistance, a key mechanism in the development of type 2 diabetes. Individuals who are obese often have an increased amount of adipose tissue, which can lead to higher levels of inflammation and disrupt normal insulin signaling. Following pregnancy, women with a history of gestational diabetes who are also obese are at an even greater risk because their bodies may struggle to effectively manage blood glucose levels. Age over 30 years and a family history of diabetes can contribute to the risk, but obesity is directly linked to metabolic changes that predispose individuals to type 2 diabetes more significantly. Type 1 diabetes, being an autoimmune condition, does not share the same risk profile as gestational diabetes and is not a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes post-pregnancy.