Metabolic Syndrome and Pregnancy?

I previously had metabolic syndrome but took care of it, but could this mean that I have an increased chance of gestational diabetes?

You really need to talk to your doctor about all of your specific risk factors, since a lot depends on your individual case (including the severity) as well as your family history.

Consistently high levels of insulin and glucose are linked to many harmful changes to the body, including:

Damage to the lining of coronary and other arteries, a key step toward the development of heart disease or stroke
Changes in the kidneys' ability to remove salt, leading to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke
An increase in triglyceride levels, resulting in an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease
An increased risk of blood clot formation, which can block arteries and cause heart attacks and strokes
A slowing of insulin production, which can signal the start of type 2 diabetes, a disease that can increase your risk for a heart attack or stroke and may damage your eyes, nerves or kidneys
How do I prevent or reverse metabolic syndrome?
Since physical inactivity and excess weight are the main underlying contributors to the development metabolic syndrome, getting more exercise and losing weight can help reduce or prevent the complications associated with this condition. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to manage some of your underlying problems. Some of the ways you can reduce your risk:

Lose weight--Moderate weight loss, in the range of 5 percent to 10 percent of body weight, can help restore your body's ability to recognize insulin and greatly reduce the chance that the syndrome will evolve into a more serious illness.

Exercise--Increased activity alone can improve your insulin levels. Aerobic exercise such as a brisk 30-minute daily walk can result in a weight loss, improved blood pressure, improved cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of developing diabetes. Most health care providers recommend 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week. Exercise may reduce the risk for heart disease even if without accompanying weight loss.

Consider dietary changes--Maintain a diet that keeps carbohydrates to no more than 50 percent of total calories. Eat foods defined as complex carbohydrates, such as whole grain bread (instead of white), brown rice (instead of white), and sugars that are unrefined (instead of refined; for example cookies, crackers). Increase your fiber consumption by eating legumes (for example, beans), whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Reduce your intake of red meats and poultry. As much as 30 percent to 45 percent of your daily calories can come from fat. Consume healthy fats such as those in canola oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil and nuts.

Limit alcohol intake--Consume no more than one drink a day for women or two drinks for men. Source(s): http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.j...