How is preexisting diabetes treated during my pregnancy?
Whether you are trying to conceive or already pregnant, treating diabetes during pregnancy is key to the health of both you and your baby.
- Take time to build your health care team and devise a care plan to manage your blood glucose levels. Frequent contact with your health care provider is essential in managing blood glucose levels and monitoring the health of you and your baby.
- Talk to your health care provider or dietician to develop a healthy meal plan. Prioritizing proper nutrition will assist in controlling your blood sugar both before and after conception.
- Tell your doctor about any current medications that you are taking for diabetes or any other health conditions so that you can take what is safest during your pregnancy.
- Make appointments with the appropriate high-risk specialists. Specialists may include a perinatologist who treats women with high-risk pregnancies, and an endocrinologist who treats women with diabetes and other health conditions.
- Stay physically active. You will want to be in the best physical condition in order to carry your new child!
Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia are both common in women with preexisting diabetes. Hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose levels are too low. When blood glucose levels are low, your body cannot get the energy it needs.
You may be experiencing this if you are:
- Experiencing blurred vision
- Having unexplainable fatigue
- Concerned about sudden changes in your mood
Hypoglycemia can be triggered by:
- Skipping or delaying meals
- Eating portions that are too small
- Overexerting yourself physically
Typically hypoglycemia is treated by eating or drinking something containing sugar, such as orange juice. Hyperglycemia is when your body doesn’t have enough insulin or can’t use insulin correctly.
You may be experiencing this if you are:
- Always thirsty
- Suddenly losing weight
- Using the bathroom often
Hyperglycemia can be triggered by:
- Improper balance in your food consumption
- Problems with the amount of insulin you are taking
- Stress
- Sickness
- Lack of physical movement
Typically hyperglycemia is treated by adjusting your insulin dosages.
What are the risks of diabetes to my unborn child?
There are a few potentially negative health risks to the baby when the mother has diabetes.
- Macrosomia is a condition in which your baby grows too large due to excess insulin crossing the placenta. A large baby can make vaginal delivery difficult and increase the risk of injury to the baby during the birth process.
- Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can develop shortly after birth due to high insulin levels. Controlling your own blood sugar can help to lower the risks of hypoglycemia for your baby.
- Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes and can sometimes be attributed to diabetes while pregnant. Your pediatric care provider will assist you with a plan to alleviate this condition for your newborn.
What are some other considerations?
There are a few other items to keep in mind:
- During labor and delivery your blood glucose will be managed closely to ensure a safe delivery. Partnering with your health care team and support partner will help ease any concerns you may have during labor.
- Be sure to complete your post-partum care in order to achieve a healthy weight with daily exercise and sound nutrition. Taking care of your body post-partum is important to managing glucose levels and remaining healthy.
- Research and decide key items about your baby’s nutrition after birth. Some studies suggest that breastfeeding can lower the risk of diabetes in your newborn.
Thousands of women each year are able to navigate diabetes in pregnancy with favorable results. Remember to manage your glucose levels, prioritize proper nutrition and exercise, and stay connected to your health care team. Medically managing your diabetes is key for your health and the success of future pregnancies.
The Cheryl Farley Wellness Program is safe for pregnant women with Type 2 Diabetes and by following my program you may avoid or reverse the effects of this disease. Give your child a healthy start in life. If you have gestational diabetes, follow the Cheryl Farley Wellness Program to avoid the potential risks to the health of your unborn child.
*Please remember to check with your physician before starting any wellness program.
Compiled using information from the following sources:
Beckmann, C., Ling, F. W., Barzanksy, B. M., Herbert, W., Laube, D. W., & Smith, R. P., Obstetrics and Gynecology (6th ed.). Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Clinic, Mayo, Guide To A Healthy Pregnancy. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers Inc.
March of Dimes, marchofdimes.com