Approved Research

The effect of metabolic disease during pregnancy on long-term cardiovascular health

Lay summary

Metabolic disease during pregnancy such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in later life of women. However, the potential effect of blood glucose, HbA1c, blood pressure in the pregnancy and postpartum on long-term CVD and their cutoff remains unclear. We will use data from the full UK Biobank cohort and statistical methods to investigate the effect of metabolic disease during pregnancy on long-term CVD in women. This study is expected to last for 36 months. The findings will provide evidence-based guidance for clinical management of GDM and PIH women to reduce the occurrence of long-term CVD and thereby improve women's health.