Gestational diabetes affects 5-9 percent of pregnant women in the United States each year–and its prevalence is on the rise. It often resolves on its own after childbirth. But recent research suggests it can have lasting effects, increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.
In this article, we’ll explore gestational diabetes and heart disease:
- What this condition is, and how it develops
- The connection between gestational diabetes and heart disease
- Critical prevention and management strategies to support your cardiovascular and overall health
What is gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy and affects the way the body processes glucose (sugar). It typically develops during the second or third trimester.
The body releases certain hormones during pregnancy, such as:
- Human placental lactogen (hPL)
- Human placental growth hormone (hPGH)
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
- Cortisol
While essential for fetal growth, these hormones, combined with maternal weight gain, can cause insulin resistance–or an inability of the muscles, fat, and liver to effectively respond to insulin.
Insulin is a critical hormone that, when utilized properly by the body, regulates blood glucose. Gestational diabetes disrupts this process.
Does gestational diabetes go away?
Following childbirth, pregnancy hormones drop, usually reducing insulin resistance. However, many women who develop gestational diabetes have an underlying predisposition toward insulin resistance–meaning it lingers, potentially turning into type 2 diabetes.
Furthermore, some of the metabolic changes caused by pregnancy may not fully reverse on their own.
Breastfeeding can support blood sugar and insulin balance. But a 2019 study found that 5 percent of women with gestational diabetes still developed type 2 diabetes within six months postpartum, and 10 percent within one to two years.
Overall, gestational diabetes can cause as much as a seven times higher risk oftype 2 diabetes–a condition that’s also a major risk factor for heart disease.
The link between gestational diabetes and heart disease
Both gestational and type 2 diabetes can lead to lasting changes in blood vessels, which contribute to cardiovascular disease. Some of these changes are:
- High blood sugar induced dysfunction of the endothelium (inner
blood vessel wall linings), which is an early sign of atherosclerosis (hardening or thickening of the arteries) - Oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation, which further impair endothelial function and contribute to plaque formation
- Lower levels of nitric oxide (a critical vasodilator), leading to vascular resistance and high blood pressure
- Reduced blood flow as a result of these changes, potentially causing oxygen deprivation and cell damage in the heart
One study also found that women with a history of gestational diabetes had increased coronary artery calcium (CAC) levels–a direct marker of plaque in coronary arteries. As calcium accumulates, it narrows arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart.
While some calcium can help stabilize plaques, too much can make them more likely to rupture. When they do, they may cause blood clots, triggering serious issues like heart attacks.
What’s more, high blood sugar can disrupt how the body processes fats, leading to higher cholesterol levels. Gestational diabetes can affect the way your body absorbs cholesterol and develops HDL (the “good” kind).
It’s also common for women with this condition to have higher:
- Triglycerides
- Total cholesterol
- LDL (“bad” cholesterol)
These issues contribute to artery hardening (atherosclerosis).
You may even experience heart problems–especially within the first ten years postpartum–if you resume normal blood sugar levels after childbirth. Some research shows you face a:
- 72% greater overall risk of cardiovascular diseases
- 40% higher risk of coronary artery diseases
- 74% higher risk of heart attack
- 62% higher risk of heart failure
- 45% increased risk of stroke
Risk comparison with other factors
According to some research, gestational diabetes can be just as serious as other major cardiovascular risk factors, such as:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
Some experts even warn that women with a history of gestational diabetes face slightly higher risks than those with a family history of heart disease. So ongoing preventive care is essential.
Preventing heart disease after gestational diabetes
Even if you’ve had gestational diabetes, there are effective steps you can take to protect your heart:
Regular screening and monitoring
Experts recommend being tested for diabetes 4-12 weeks postpartum, then every 1-3 years to ensure blood sugar levels stay within a healthy range.
And make it a point to get regular heart health screenings, monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Lifestyle interventions
Adopting a healthier lifestyle is one of the most powerful ways to lower your heart disease risk–especially for women with a history of gestational diabetes.
Eat primarily heart-healthy foods that don’t spike blood sugar, such as:
- Low-glycemic (low-sugar) fruits like berries, apples, and pears
- Non-starchy vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, and peppers
- Whole grains, such as whole wheat, quinoa, and oats
- Lean proteins, including chicken and fish
- Healthy fats like olive oil and avocado
A diet containing these items helps keep blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels in check.
You’ll also want to strengthen your heart with regular physical activity, such as:
- Walking
- Cycling
- Strength training
Research confirms these exercises help improve insulin sensitivity, support weight management, and reduce strain on the cardiovascular system, lowering your heart disease risk.
Conclusion
Gestational diabetes and heart disease are closely connected, so if you’ve suffered from high blood sugar during pregnancy, be vigilant with your health.
- Gestational diabetes often resolves after pregnancy, but its impact can be lifelong.
- It can more than double your risk of type 2 diabetes, which is itself a major risk factor for heart disease.
- Insulin resistance and inflammation resulting from gestational diabetes put stress on the cardiovascular system.
- Vascular changes can lead to complications like hypertension.
- It’s essential to adopt prevention and management strategies, such as regular screenings, healthy eating, and exercise.
By empowering yourself with knowledge and proactive care, you can safeguard your cardiovascular system and enjoy a longer, healthier future–regardless of your medical history
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