What is gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes refers to an abnormality in sugar metabolism and is detected during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is treated during pregnancy with a healthy lifestyle and, if necessary, medication.
Diagnosed gestational diabetes increases the risk of later type 2 diabetes and heart and arterial diseases significantly, even if blood glucose levels returned to normal after delivery. Due to the risk, it is important to carry out follow-up on a regular basis after delivery. The Current Care Guidelines instruct carrying out follow-up based on the risk of illness every 1–3 years.
Follow-up through Maisa
Follow-up has previously been carried out if remembered, so it may not have taken place in line with the recommendations. Follow-up through Maisa brings a much-needed change to this. Follow-up includes blood test referrals (sugar levels, LDL cholesterol and liver function and a follow-up questionnaire based on the Diabetes Risk Test of the Finnish Diabetes Association. Follow-up can be carried out in Finnish, Swedish and English.
After the customer has given their consent to the follow-up, the blood test referrals, follow-up questionnaire and instructions will automatically appear in Maisa in accordance with the agreed follow-up interval. Based on the results of the blood tests and the questionnaire, the nurse at the health station evaluates the follow-up interval and the customer receives lifestyle counselling.
The results and the follow-up treatment plan can be read in Maisa.
How can I join the follow-up?
You can receive regular follow-ups of gestational diabetes by contacting your health station primarily with a Maisa message. If you are not able to use Maisa, the follow-up can also be arranged by other means. In this case, please contact your health station by phone.
More information
Gestational diabetes follow-ups | City of Helsinki
The above-described development work has been carried out in the Sustainable Growth project since the beginning of 2023, which aims to strengthen well-being and prevent problems. The project is part of the Sustainable Growth Programme for Finland, funded by the EU Recovery Plan Next Generation EU. The programme is coordinated by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and implemented by all the wellbeing services counties and the City of Helsinki.
