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Diabetes is a condition where blood glucose levels are abnormally high or low. Pregnancy can cause a number of health problems for women with diabetes, including higher blood sugar levels and complications with the baby. Doctors, nurses and dietitians are becoming more aware of the health risks of diabetes during pregnancy. Women with diabetes should be prepared for the changes that pregnancy brings.
What are the complications in pregnancy if you have diabetes?
Pregnant women with diabetes are at a higher risk for developing ketoacidosis, which is extremely dangerous. Ketoacidosis is a life-threatening state caused by high blood sugar levels. Some of the major complications of ketoacidosis include brain damage, blindness, heart failure and death. Doctors are concerned that ketoacidosis might be even deadlier than it used to be due to drug resistance among the person suffering from it. That’s why pregnant women with diabetes need to be hyper vigilant about monitoring their blood sugar levels and avoiding dangerous highs and lows.
How to manage your diabetic condition during pregnancy?
Doctors have several recommendations for managing diabetes during pregnancy. The primary concern is to keep blood sugar levels as stable as possible. Women with diabetes should follow a strict diet plan with no excess calories or carbohydrates. They also need to regularly check their blood sugar levels and adjust their medication as necessary. It’s important to note that some forms of medicine work better for women with diabetes during pregnancy than others. Doctors will have to test various options before they find the best plan for each woman.
Recommendations to Manage Diabetes
There are several recommendations for monitoring blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Women with diabetes should always have a monitor close at hand. They should also carry hard copies of their blood-sugar testing results along with them at all times. If possible, women should also carry extra supplies of their medicine as well as a note of the dosage they’re supposed to take first thing in the morning. It’s also a good idea to keep a backup supply of medicine in case your regular supply is low or nonexistent.
It is Difficult but not Impossible
Managing diabetes during pregnancy is difficult, but there are ways to make it easier if you take precautions. Doctors recommend strict diet plans, regular monitoring and an emergency supply of medicine in case your supplies are low or inaccessible for some reason. Women with diabetes should also inform family members where they can find information about their condition so they can help you if necessary.
Monitor your blood sugar levels during your pregnancy
Monitor blood sugar and insulin. Your blood sugar levels may rise during labor, but may drop before or immediately after labor—whether you had a vaginal birth or a caesarean section (caesarean section). Your doctor can help you plan for insulin dose changes and monitoring during and after labor. You can wear an insulin pump or CGM during labor.
In gestational diabetes and previous gestational diabetes, fasting and postprandial self-monitoring of blood glucose is recommended to achieve glycemic control. Some women with diabetes should also check their blood sugar before meals. Second
Manage diabetes while you are pregnant
When suffering from diabetes in pregnancy, remember it’s important to work hard at achieving excellent control, remember that occasional blood sugar that is higher than you like is not going to do long-term damage to your child. And if you feel yourself getting frustrated and burnt out, try to keep in mind some of the long-term benefits of all the hard work you’re putting into your pregnancy.
While any pregnancy complication is concerning, there’s good news. During pregnancy you can help control gestational diabetes by eating healthy foods, exercising and, if necessary, taking medication. Controlling blood sugar can keep you and your baby healthy and prevent a difficult delivery.
Plan your pregnancy around diabetes managing
If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and are planning a family, you should plan your pregnancy as much as possible. Controlling your blood sugars before conception and throughout pregnancy gives you the best chance of having a trouble-free pregnancy and birth and a healthy baby.
Managing diabetes can help you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. To manage your diabetes, see your doctor as recommended, monitor your blood sugar levels, follow a healthy eating plan developed with your doctor or dietician, be physically active, and take insulin as directed (if needed). Learn more about how to manage type 1 or type 2 diabetes during pregnancy and gestational diabetes.