• Ask your doctor if you had GDM. If so, let future health care providers know you had GDM.

• Get tested for diabetes six to 12 weeks after the baby is born, then every one to two years.

• Talk to your doctor if you plan to become pregnant again.

• Breastfeed to help lower your child's risk for diabetes.

• Aim for your prepregnancy weight six to 12 months after the baby is born. If you are still overweight, lose weight slowly and keep it off.

• Eat a variety of healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables, fish, lean meats, dry beans, whole grains, and low-fat or skim milk and cheese.

• Eat smaller portions.

• Be physically active at least 30 minutes, five days per week. Children should be physically active 60 minutes a day.

• Follow a healthy lifestyle as a family. Help family members stay at a healthy weight by eating healthy foods and moving more.

• Help children learn to make healthy food choices.

• Limit TV, video, and computer game time to one to two hours a day.

For women who have had GDM, NDEP has a tip sheet in English, It's Never Too Early to Prevent Diabetes. A Lifetime of Small Steps for a Healthy Family, and in Spanish, Nunca Es Muy Temprano Para Prevenir la Diabetes. Pequeños Pasos de por Vida Para Una Familia Sana.