Pregnancy is a unique and exciting time, but it can also come with some challenges, especially if you have diabetes. At Green View Medical Centre, we want to help you understand diabetes during pregnancy and how to manage it for a healthy outcome for you and your baby.

What is Diabetes in Pregnancy?

Two main types of diabetes can affect pregnant women:

1. Pre-existing Diabetes: This includes type 1 or type 2 diabetes that you had before becoming pregnant.
2. Gestational Diabetes: This type develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after childbirth. It happens when your body can’t make enough insulin to handle the increased pregnancy needs.

Why is Managing Diabetes Important?

It’s very important to manage diabetes during pregnancy because high blood sugar levels can lead to problems for both you and your baby, such as:

• High Blood Pressure: This increases the risk of a serious condition called preeclampsia.
• Large Baby: High blood sugar can cause the baby to grow bigger than average, complicating delivery.
• Preterm Birth: Uncontrolled diabetes may lead to early delivery.
• Birth Defects: High blood sugar in the early stages of pregnancy can increase the risk of some birth defects.

Signs of Gestational Diabetes

Many women may not notice apparent symptoms of gestational diabetes. However, some possible signs include:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Feeling very tired
• Blurred vision

It’s important to attend your prenatal appointments so your doctor can check your blood sugar levels regularly.

Testing for Diabetes in Pregnancy

We recommend that all pregnant women be tested for gestational diabetes between 24 – 28 weeks of pregnancy. If you have certain risk factors, like being overweight or having a family history of diabetes, your doctor might test you earlier.

How to Manage Diabetes During Pregnancy

1. Monitor Blood Sugar: Regularly check your blood sugar levels to keep them in the target range.
2. Eat Healthily: Focus on a balanced diet with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Try to limit sugary foods and drinks.
3. Stay Active: Regular exercise can help control blood sugar levels. Always check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
4. Medication: If diet and exercise aren’t enough, your doctor may prescribe insulin or other medications.
5. Regular Check-ups: Frequent visits to your healthcare provider are important for monitoring your health and your baby’s development.

After Delivery

Most women with gestational diabetes see their blood sugar return to normal after giving birth. However, they are at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life, so regular check-ups are essential.

Managing diabetes during pregnancy is vital for your and your baby’s health. At Green View Medical Centre, we are here to support you throughout your pregnancy. If you have any questions or concerns about diabetes during pregnancy, please reach out to us.

Together, we can ensure a healthy experience for you and your baby!