Gestational diabetes tied to higher risk of premature death

According to a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), researchers have found a concerning link between gestational diabetes (GD) and an increased risk of early death. This study, based on data from the Nurses' Health Study, observed 91,000 women who had been pregnant at age 18 or older. Of these, approximately 7% reported experiencing GD during their pregnancies.

Participants with a history of GD faced a 30% higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to those without GD. This association remained consistent regardless of whether they subsequently developed type 2 diabetes. The risk was even more pronounced for those who had experienced GD in more than one pregnancy, had high blood pressure during pregnancy, or gave birth prematurely.

Additionally, individuals with a history of GD were found to have a heightened risk of death related to cardiovascular issues and non-cancer-related health complications.

The authors of the study suggest that women who develop GD during pregnancy might already have underlying health issues, such as systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, or endothelial dysfunction, which could predispose them to chronic diseases.