Early menstruation in girls could indicate a heightened risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy, according to research taken from an Australian survey of more than 4000 women. University of Queensland School of Public Health researchers studied 4700 women and found those who hit puberty at the age of 11 or younger were 50 per cent more likely to develop gestational diabetes than those who hit puberty at the age of 13. Women who had their first period earlier than age 11 were more at risk of developing gestational diabetes, according to an analysis of more than 4000 women’s data.