What can be a long-term complication for a patient with gestational diabetes if not properly managed?

The risk for type 2 diabetes later in life is a well-documented long-term complication associated with gestational diabetes if it is not properly managed. Women who have experienced gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the years following their pregnancy. This is due to insulin resistance that may persist after pregnancy, coupled with other metabolic factors that can contribute to the development of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes.

Research indicates that the incidence of type 2 diabetes among women with a history of gestational diabetes is significantly higher than in those without such a history. This highlights the importance of lifestyle modifications, regular monitoring of blood glucose levels, and possibly screening for diabetes in the future for these patients to mitigate this long-term risk.

Other options presented do not represent the primary long-term complications associated with gestational diabetes. While high cholesterol and hypertension can be health concerns, they are not specific to gestational diabetes nor are they established as direct long-term complications in the same context as the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.