Women with a history of gestational diabetes are up to ten times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, yet many receive little structured support after pregnancy.
The Babysteps programme was developed to address this gap, offering a group-based education course and a digital app to help women adopt healthier lifestyles and reduce their future risk.
A randomised controlled trial (RCT) led by ARC East Midlands showed that Babysteps is both feasible and cost-effective, with participants reporting increased physical activity, improved quality of life, reduced anxiety, and greater confidence to exercise.
Key impacts:
- Improved quality of life and reduced anxiety among women with a history of gestational diabetes
- Supports increased physical activity and sustained engagement through digital tools and peer support
- 77% programme completion rate and 75% app uptake in the RCT
- Now commissioned in health services across the UK, as well as in Australia
- Designed to be accessible and culturally inclusive, with nearly half of RCT participants identifying as Asian or Asian British
