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Traffic light tool

The Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) traffic light tool is a simple 'red, amber, and green' system that helps healthcare professionals and the public check whether follow-up care has been given after pregnancy. This follow-up care helps to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and ensures people receive the support they need.

Page contents

Download the traffic light tool

Send your feedback

After using the tool, you can let Diabetes UK know what actions you've taken by completing this form.

Why Diabetes UK developed the tool

The traffic light tool was created after gaps were identified in follow-up care for women who had gestational diabetes. It was developed using an evidence-based approach with the aim of reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.

How to use the tool - healthcare professionals

Use this guide if you are a healthcare professional who cares for patients who have, or had, gestational diabetes. It helps you to make sure follow-up checks have been done and explain the process. 

This tool supports you to identify and guide women who have had gestational diabetes to reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The red, amber, green (RAG) system helps make sure follow-up care happens on time. It also supports women by making it easier for healthcare professionals and patients to have useful conversations about preventing future health problems.

How to introduce the tool

Say: "Because you had gestational diabetes, you have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. We use this simple traffic light system to help you understand where you are now and what to do next."

Identify their status

Ask: "Which one of these sounds most like where you are right now?"

Red zone

No blood test done in giving birth more than 13 weeks ago.

Say: "It looks like you're due (or overdue) for a test to check your blood sugar levels."

Action: Book an HbA1c or fasting glucose test as appropriate.

Amber zone

Test done, but patient unsure how to reduce risk.

Say: "You've done the right thing by getting tested, that’s a great first step."

Action: Offer referral to a type 2 diabetes prevention programme. Signpost to resources.
 

Green zone

Test done and patient feels confident managing their risk.

Say: "Fantastic, you’re managing this well. Keep going and retest annually."

Action: Encourage annual HbA1c testing and healthy habits.

Communication tips

Use open-ended questions: "How have you been feeling about your health since the baby?"

Acknowledge concerns: "It’s normal to feel unsure about next steps."

Give clear next steps and reinforce positive actions.

Follow up

Ensure the patient is coded correctly on the system for yearly recall. 

Help and guidance

Visit Gestational diabetes care on the Diabetes UK website. 

Call the Diabetes UK helpline: 0345 123 2399.

How to use the tool – patients and members of the public

If you're a member of the public, you can use the traffic light tool at the top of this page to find out whether you're in the red, amber, or green zone, and see what help and information is available to you.

After using the tool, you can let Diabetes UK know what actions you've taken by completing this form. Healthcare professionals can also complete the form.

For more information about the tool, visit Gestational diabetes care on the Diabetes UK website, or call the Diabetes UK helpline: 0345 123 2399.

Last edited: 11 November 2025 10:30 am