India, May 25 -- Nearly half of women with gestational diabetes continue to have abnormal blood sugar levels years after childbirth, according to a new study by Mumbai's King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital.

Of the 531 mothers tracked, 48.6% developed diabetes or pre-diabetes over time, challenging the long-held assumption that gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) resolves after delivery. Doctors warned that this under-recognised risk demands urgent attention, particularly in India, where diabetes is on the rise and postpartum care remains inconsistent and inadequate.

GDM is a form of high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy due to hormonal interference with insulin. Its incidence is steadily rising among pregnant women, particular...