Background: Type 2 diabetes is increasing among the young, and gestational diabetes (GDM) offers a unique opportunity for diabetes prevention. We aimed to systematically review postpartum randomized trials to summarize the benefits of lifestyle interventions for women with previous GDM. Methods:We searched for RCTs involving women with previous GDM that compared lifestyle interventions—diet, physical activity or breastfeeding—at postpartum with usual care up to May 2018. Results:Of 1,895 abstracts identified, we selected 15 studies investigating incidence of diabetes or changes in glycemia. Most interventions focused on changes in diet and physical activity, only one also on incentive to breastfeeding. Meta-analysis of 8 studies investigating incidence of diabetes revealed a homogeneous (I² = 10%), reduction of 25% (RR = 0.75; 95%CI: 0.55–1.03) borderline statistically significant. Only trials offering intervention soon after delivery (< 6 months post-partum) were effective (RR = 0.61; 95%CI: 0.40–0.94; p for subgroup comparison = 0.11). Overall, no benefit was found regarding measures of glycemia. Although moderate reductions in weight (MD = −1.07 kg; −1.43−0.72 kg); BMI (MD = −0.94 kg/m²; −1.79 −0.09 kg/m²); and waist circumference (MD = −0.98 cm; −1.75 −0.21 cm) were observed, effects were larger with longer follow-up. Conclusions:Summary results of the available evidence support benefits of lifestyle interventions at postpartum for women with previous GDM. Benefits, although smaller than those of major trials based in older subjects receiving intensive interventions, appear clinically relevant for this young subset of woman. Further studies are needed to improve the quality of the evidence and to further tailor interventions to this specific setting.

Mixed methods research represents a dynamic approach, that combines quantitative and qualitative perspectives in the same study to answer complex questions, beyond the reach of each method used separately. This type of research is increasingly used in health sciences and in social sciences, where it is possible to identify important contributions to knowledge and the practice, derived from the characteristic integration of this approach. Nevertheless, it important to reiterate the importance of recognizing their own perspectives, methods, rigor criteria, and challenges. This work presents general aspects of the epistemological perspective of mixed methods research, describes basic and advanced designs, forms and possible integration moments of each design, as well as the rigor criteria that guide these types of studies. Graphic elements are presented to facilitate recognizing the structure of each design. Furthermore, a visual tool is introduced denominated “anatomy of mixed methods research”, which seeks to guide researchers regarding each of the key elements in the design and development of this type of research.