How Gestational Diabetes Affects Heart Health in Moms – What You Need to Know

Happy Valentine’s Day! Let’s Talk About Heart Health and Motherhood

February may be the shortest month of the year, but it’s full of powerful reminders to prioritize your well-being. Along with Valentine’s Day, we recognize American Heart Month, bringing much-needed awareness to heart health and cardiovascular disease prevention—especially for women and moms.

As a pelvic health physical therapist supporting women through pregnancy and postpartum recovery, I want to shed light on a crucial, often overlooked connection: gestational diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular Disease in Women and Moms

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women. One of the most common forms, coronary artery disease (CAD), occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries (atherosclerosis), reducing blood flow to the heart and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Pregnancy brings about major changes—physically, emotionally, and metabolically. While many of these changes are temporary, some leave lasting impacts on heart health.

Gestational Diabetes and Heart Health: The Hidden Risk

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) occurs when a pregnant woman’s body can’t properly use insulin due to hormonal changes from the placenta. This causes excess glucose to remain in the bloodstream, leading to hyperglycemia.

Fast Facts:

• 2% to 10% of pregnancies in the U.S. are affected by GDM each year (CDC, 2022)

• Up to 20% of pregnancies worldwide are impacted

• Around 50% of women with GDM will develop type 2 diabetes within 5–10 years

But the risks don’t stop there. Gestational diabetes can lead to:

• Larger babies (9 pounds or more), increasing delivery complications

• Preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy)

• Early delivery and breathing issues in the baby

• Low blood sugar in the newborn

• Increased lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in both mother and child

What the Research Says

1. CARDIA Study (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults):

A 30-year study of more than 1,100 women found that those with a history of gestational diabetes had double the risk of coronary artery calcification—a key marker of heart disease. (Gunderson et al., 2018)

2. American Heart Association's Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging:

This study analyzed data among African American women and found that those with a history of gestational diabetes were more likely to show signs of coronary artery disease, including narrowing or obstruction of arteries. (Wang et al., 2021)

Important note: Even if blood sugar levels return to normal after childbirth, the risk of cardiovascular disease remains elevated.

Protecting Your Heart After Gestational Diabetes

If you had gestational diabetes, here are key steps to reduce your future risk of heart disease:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet focused on whole foods and fiber

• Exercise regularly—aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days

• Monitor your blood sugar consistently

• Follow up with your healthcare provider for annual screenings

• Take medications or insulin if prescribed

• Monitor your child’s development and health, especially if they were exposed to gestational diabetes

Final Thoughts

Whether you are currently pregnant or had your baby years ago, your health matters. Heart disease doesn’t always present clear symptoms, and prevention starts with awareness and regular care.

Continue being the amazing mom you are—but don’t forget to take care of yourself too. Your heart deserves attention, care, and protection.

At IVY Integrative, you can work with one practitioner or build your own team of holistic practitioners! Reach your optimum health in-person or online. Check out our Get Started page to learn how to work with us!

Author: Dr. Mièka Bryan PT, DPT

References:

1. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/diabetes/gestational-diabetes

2. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/gestational.html#:~:text=Gestational%20diabetes%20is%20a%20type,pregnancy%20and%20a%20healthy%20baby.

3. https://www.cdc.gov/pregnancy/diabetes-gestational.html

4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gestational-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355339

5. https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/01/health/pregnancy-complications-heart-disease/index.html#:~:text=Gestational%20diabetes%20and%20preeclampsia%20increased,during%20pregnancy%20doubled%20the%20risk.

6. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/diabetes-during-pregnancy-may-increase-risk-of-heart-disease

7. https://www.prb.org/resources/black-women-over-three-times-more-likely-to-die-in-pregnancy-postpartum-than-white-women-new-research-finds/

Disclaimer:

This information is generalized and intended for educational purposes only. Due to potential individual contraindications, please see your primary care provider before implementing any strategies in these posts