While gestational diabetes is known to affect the heart, women who follow healthy habits like proper weight, diet, and no alcohol or tobacco are 86 per cent less likely to experience any future risks to heart, according to a global study. 

Gestational diabetes -- a condition characterised by elevated blood sugar during pregnancy -- remains one of the most common pregnancy complications worldwide.

The research found that women who adopted a long-term commitment to a combination of five healthy lifestyle behaviours -- maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, regular physical activity, eating a high-quality diet, and moderate alcohol intake -- reduced their risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) by up to 86 per cent compared to those who did not adopt any of these habits.