Women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (pGDM) are at risk for the later development of type 2 diabetes. High glycemic levels during pregnancy or after delivery probably remain the strongest predictors for diabetes development in women with pGDM. However, the risk is increased when the condition of pGDM is accompanied by other factors that predispose to diabetes also in different categories of subjects, like improper diet habits, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, or weight gain. Besides, it is not completely clear whether the history of gestational diabetes itself can be an independent risk factor for future diabetes. As a matter of fact, though there are several studies that included pGDM women, analysis of the results is often poor or only performed retrospectively (post hoc analysis).

Authors are invited to submit original research and review articles regarding the pathophysiology of glucose and lipid metabolism in women with pGDM and the identification of early markers for the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and related cardiovascular complications. Trials on possible therapeutic strategies based on early pharmacological intervention are also of interest. Reports on educational programs for behavior modification and improved awareness in pGDM women will also be considered. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• pGDM and preconception conditions and/or diseases
• pGDM and conditions and/or diseases during pregnancy
• pGDM and metabolic syndrome
• pGDM and ethnicity
• pGDM and lifestyle (nutrition and exercise)
• Markers of insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function in pGDM
• Characterization of the risk of overt type 2 diabetes in pGDM
• Micro- and macrovascular complications in pGDM
• Gynecological aspects of pGDM
• Immunology in pGDM
• The outcome of children of mothers with pGDM
• Role of the adipokines in pGDM: i) leptin, ii) adiponectin, iii) resistin, iv) TNF-α, v) other adipokines
• Therapeutic strategies in pGDM: i) agents stimulating certain effect, ii) agents increasing insulin sensitivity, iii) other specific agents, iv) novel therapies, v) for debate, to treat or not to treat?
• Educational programs in pGDM