diabetes-complications/diabetes-a-sex/35-preexisting-diabetes-a-pregnancy

 

Pregnancy in known Diabetics

(Patients on Insulin or oral tablets)

 

High blood glucose levels at the time of conception and initial development of the baby may have serious detrimental effect on development of its vital  organs. Such a Baby may be born with birth defects and deformities. Sustained levels of blood glucose during pregnancy may be prone to abortions or large size babies.

  • The risk of congenital anomalies in babies born to mothers with uncontrolled diabetes is 2-5 times higher than the normal population. 
  • Spontaneous miscarriages occur in 30-60% of  mothers with high blood sugar at the time of conception. 
  • Such mothers are prone to develop other complications of pregnancy like Hypertension and Pre-eclampsia. 
  • Women who are Diabetic and on any treatment of diabetes either oral tablets, insulin or exenatide injections should be very careful while conceiving 
  • Plan your pregnancy atleast six months before conception 
  • Glycosylated Hemoglobin ( this blood test show average blood glucose levels of past 3 months) should be between 6.5% and 7% before conception. 
  •  Frequently monitor Blood Glucose, First 10 weeks are critical to the normal development of the baby.
  •  Blood Glucose levels should be Fasting between 60-95, 1 hr after meals less than 155 and 2 hrs after meals less than 130 always

A number of trials have proven that keeping proper control of Blood sugar and maintaining the right HbA1C levels drastically decreases the chances of congenital malformations.

Plan your pregnancy in advance

            Important points to remember for Diabetic women planning pregnancy

  •  Plan your pregnancy, use effective contraception if pregnancy is not being planned.
  •  Stop your anti Diabetic drugs well before conceiving; switch over to insulin if Blood glucose levels are not controlled
  •  Consult your doctor about requirement of insulin and doses.
  •  Exercise regularly, take the diet as advised by your doctor or dietician.