New Report Says Watching Your Diet Can Have A Healthy Impact On Blood Pressure

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By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Gestational diabetes is the term we use when women who are pregnant develop high blood sugar during the pregnancy.

Now, a new report based on the Nurse's Health study has found that women with gestational diabetes, who reported eating healthier diets, saw a lower risk for high blood pressure than women who ate less healthy diets. The report looked at over 4000 people and followed them for almost 20 years. It is an interesting study because it makes a great deal of sense. Essentially it says that watching your diet can have a healthy impact on blood pressure.

But there is a bigger reason why it is important. The reason is that during pregnancy we often get a peek at what can happen to women as they get older. Those who develop high blood pressure or diabetes while pregnant often get it later in life. The report shows just how important good diet can be.