Women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy may face higher risks of heart disease later in life — but a new study shows that this risk can be significantly reduced through healthy lifestyle habits.
Researchers tracking over 4,300 women with a history of gestational diabetes found that those who consistently maintained five key habits — staying at a healthy weight, eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and drinking alcohol in moderation — lowered their risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 86%.
Remarkably, over nearly three decades of follow-up, none of the women who followed all five habits experienced any cardiovascular events.
“Cardiovascular disease doesn’t have to be the outcome for women with a history of gestational diabetes,” said Dr. Yang Jiaxi, Senior Research Fellow at NUS Medicine, Singapore. “Even small, sustainable changes in lifestyle after pregnancy can have long-term benefits for heart health.”
Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the study emphasizes the power of long-term commitment to healthy behaviors. While adopting healthy habits reduced risk, a decline in these behaviors over time was linked to a significant increase in cardiovascular risk.
Lead researcher Professor Zhang Cuilin highlighted the importance of long-term monitoring and care for women who experience high blood sugar during pregnancy. “These results show why it’s crucial to support women after pregnancy, especially those who had gestational diabetes,” she said.
The takeaway is clear: a heart-healthy future is possible — and it starts with everyday choices made long after pregnancy ends.
