Diabetes And Pregnancy

Diabetes and Pregnancy

Diabetes can complicate the pregnancy of women no matter what their age. Luckily, medical science has improved so much in the last few decades. At one time, women who had Type 1 or 2 diabetes were counseled not to even attempt a pregnancy, and a diagnosis of gestational diabetes was bad news indeed. Nowadays, we have sophisticated home blood glucose monitors available that help you to keep an eye on your sugar levels so that you can take immediate steps if they get too high. Even if you have not been started on an insulin regime, as in the case of gestational diabetes, it is still a good idea to invest in one of these machines so that you can keep an eye on things.

What is most important for the pregnant diabetic is keeping your blood glucose levels in the target range.

* Morning (Fasting Blood Sugar) - 90-130
* Before Mealtime - 90-130
* 2 to 4 hours after a meal – Less than 180
* At Bedtime – 140-160

If at any time the following two ranges are detected, you should seek medical assistance, as your insulin might need to be adjusted. If you are not currently taking insulin, as in the case of some women with gestational diabetes, you should also call your doctor.

* Hypoglycemia – 70 or lower
* Hyperglycemia – 180 or more, 2 to 4 hours after eating a meal, or 140 or more first thing in the morning after the overnight fast.

It is vital that you work hard to control diabetes when you are pregnant to avoid health problems for yourself and your unborn baby. Diabetes can cause your child to be born with birth defects and other grave problems, and can seriously complicate your pregnancy. Such difficulties as high blood pressure, seizures, and strokes are unfortunately all too common.

Also, with uncontrolled blood sugar, your chances of having a really large baby, 9 pounds or more is the norm rather than the exception. This can make it difficult to deliver the baby vaginally, and will cause the need for a caesarian section

In closing, you can prevent your diabetes from causing any sort of complications during your pregnancy by following these steps.

* Monitor your blood sugar levels.
* Eat a balanced diet.
* Get enough exercise.
* Take any medications on time.
* Keep all of your doctor appointments.