Black, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander women were more likely to have diabetes before pregnancy than white women, the study found.
About 20.8 million Americans have diabetes, which causes about 5 percent of all deaths globally each year. Most have type 2, which is closely linked to a obesity and lack of exercise. Type 1 diabetes is a so-called autoimmune disorder, caused when the body mistakenly destroys the pancreatic cells that make insulin.
"With the increasing prevalence of diabetes and obesity in society, it is very important that we start addressing this issue," Lawrence said.
