Diabetes and pregnancy

Diabetes during pregnancy can be a serious matter. Diabetes is caused by a lack of insulin in the bloodstream. Insulin breaks down sugar and moves it to where its needed in the body. Lack of insulin results in… high blood sugar levels and this is a key reason why you are tested for your blood sugar level during pregnancy. In the first instance, if you are trying to get pregnant, then you may find it more difficult if you have diabetes. The condition can also increase the risk of miscarriage and birth abnormalities. Its very important that you discuss your diabetes with your doctor before you become pregnant so that you can plan accordingly and have stable blood sugar levels. Its more than likely that your doctor will want your blood sugar levels stable for 2 to 3 months before pregnancy as part of your pregnancy preparation.

Part of your pregnancy preparation, if you have diabetes, should be to confirm that the hospital that you are going to give birth in has a neonatal intensive care unit. Babies who are born to diabetic mothers may need the special services provided in these units. Women who have diabetes have a tendancy to get more vaginal or urinary tract infections and also may need to make sure they have close monitoring of their blood sugar levels.

As far as possible you will monitor your blood glucose measurements and urinalysis at home but you may need to have blood glucose tests in hospital as well and your insulin requirements adjusted. Special attention will be paid to symptoms such as nausea or vomiting and you may need advice from the dietician on how to maintain an adequate calorie intake. A high-fibre diet is advised because it produces a more constant blood glucose. As your baby grows your carbohydrate intake may need to be increased and your insulin adjusted accordingly. Again, your relationship with your doctor is important and you should rely on them for advice on diabetes during pregnancy.

When you are about to give birth, you may be given an I.V. to supply you with insulin and/or carbohydrates. After your baby is born carbohydrate metabolism returns to normal very quickly and insulin requirements will typically fall sharply. If you are breastfeeding then you may need to keep your carb and insulin levels a little higher. Again, talk to your doctor about this.

Pregnancy can influence diabetes in that pregnancy can increase your body’s need for insulin. The development of diabates during pregnancy is called gestational diabetes. This is different from diabetes as a pre-existing condition before pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is a result of pregnancy.