Mondays with Mary – GDM & Cardiac Issues
Women who had diabetes during pregnancy (called gestational diabetes) are twice as likely to develop calcium buildup in the heart’s arteries by mid life. This calcium is a strong sign of future heart disease.
Gestational diabetes happens when blood sugar gets too high during pregnancy. It affects about 9% of pregnancies in the U.S. and up to 20% worldwide. After pregnancy, these women have a higher chance of developing prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes, which also raise the risk for heart disease. So what should you do if you have or have had gestational diabetes? Stay up to date on preventive health visits and recommended screenings. As always, talk to your primary care provider if you have questions or concerns.
Watch the full video here: https://youtube.com/shorts/HFbamRC3IIc
Additional Resources:
https://newsroom.heart.org/news/diabetes-during-pregnancy-may-increase-risk-of-heart-disease/ https://newsroom.heart.org/news/six-pregnancy-complications-are-among-red-flags-for-heart-disease-later-in-life