Pregnancy and Diabetes

Learn about Gestational Diabetes and its symptoms. Diabetes during pregnancy. Your pregnant child and diabetes.

Pregnancy and Diabetes

Approximately 9% of women over the age of 20 have diabetes and many of them do not even know.  Pregnancy increases the risk of gestational diabetes in pregnant women who do not currently have diabetes. Around 2 - 8% of all pregnant women develop gestational diabetes, but this type of diabetes usually disappears when a pregnancy is over. 

Table of Contents

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If you have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy

If you are a diabetic and are pregnant or are planning a baby

Gestational Diabetes and Pregnancy

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and is found for the first time when a woman is pregnant.  Hormonal changes during pregnancy and increased weight are part of a healthy pregnancy. However, these changes may cause problems in your body to keep producing the hormone called insulin. Without insulin, your body is unable to get the energy that it needs from the food you eat. Also, insulin keeps glucose levels in your blood to normal levels.   Without enough insulin your blood sugar levels get high and this is harmful to you and your developing baby.

If you are a Diabetic and are Pregnant or are Planning a Baby:

Planning to have a baby is important when you are diabetic as high glucose levels can harm you, and your baby.  Before and during your pregnancy, you will be advised and prepared to keep your glucose levels near normal. This helps protect you and your baby's health.

During pregnancy your insulin needs may change. You should see your doctor and check your blood sugar levels more often.

Are you planning on having a baby and have diabetes?:

• Make sure you check with your health care team to ensure your blood sugar levels are as close to the normal range as possible.
  
  
• Get the opinion of a doctor that has experience with pregnant women and diabetes.
  
  
• Check your eyes and kidneys as pregnancy can worsen symptoms.
  
  
• Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or use harmful drugs before or during your conception.
  
  
• Follow the meal plan you get from your dietitian or diabetes educator to make sure you and your unborn baby have a healthy diet.

If you are a diabetic and are already pregnant, see your doctor as soon as possible. It is never too late to bring your blood sugar levels to normal. This will ensure the health of you during your pregnancy, and your baby.

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