June 25, 2025 Helping moms prevent diabetes after pregnancy

What is the ADAPT-M program is all about?

After pregnancy, women who had gestational diabetes (GDM) are at 10 times higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. That’s where ADAPT-M—Avoiding Diabetes After Pregnancy Together with Moms—comes in. It’s a lifestyle program developed to help moms stay healthy and lower their future risk of type 2 diabetes. Senior author and researcher Dr. Lorraine Lipscombe is a Diabetes Canada board member and chair of the Mission Committee, which provides oversight and expert recommendations to the mission department whose focus is people impacted by diabetes and healthcare professionals.

Listening to women to make the program better

In June 2024, a workshop brought together 27 attendees (women who previously had GDM, researchers, and healthcare professionals) to explore how ADAPT-M can better support women. The focus? Making sure the program is effective, inclusive, and grounded in real community needs.

What mattered most to participants?

In small, facilitator-led groups, 27 women shared their priorities for an ideal postpartum diabetes prevention program:

• Tailored education and support for life after pregnancy
• Culturally inclusive approaches so everyone feels seen and heard
• Personalized care for each mom’s needs
• Clear and accessible communication
• Strong community and peer support

Why is this feedback important?

This information is now shaping how ADAPT-M is being refined and adapted for real-world use.

The attendees’ opinions also offer valuable insight for developing future programs that support women at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes after GDM.

The bottom line

By listening to the people who matter most—moms and their care teams—ADAPT-M is becoming a more trusted, impactful care program that supports the prevention of type 2 diabetes after pregnancy.

Want to learn about Diabetes Canada research?

Did you know?

Diabetes Canada has resources to support women with gestational diabetes.
Gestational Diabetes
Screening & Diagnosis for Gestational Diabetes
Gestational Diabetes Diet

Source: Science Direct