Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are a readily identifiable population at high risk for type 2 diabetes (T2DM) to whom preventive interventions can be offered. There is evidence that T2DM can be prevented with lifestyle modification in older high-risk risk groups. However, preventive trials for women with recent GDM have had limited success in preventing T2DM, in part because they have failed to produce significant behaviour change. New mothers are a unique population with many competing demands and barriers to behaviour change. Home-based health coaching programs may be more effective in women with recent GDM, as they provide greater flexibility, goal-setting, and frequent follow-up, and have been associated with greater adherence and weight loss. Low glycemic-index diets are also associated with greater adherence and improved glycemia, but data are lacking in women with recent GDM.