Preexisting Diabetes Management

Pregnancy is full of challenges - and even more if you are Diabetic. Diabetic pregnancy has now become one of the major complications for the mother and the unborn. Hence, if you are diabetic, it is important that you take extra precautions to have a safe and healthy pregnancy. Careful monitoring of your blood glucose levels will help your pregnancy to progress smoothly and ensure a healthy baby.

Self-monitoring of blood glucose is a key component of diabetes therapy during pregnancy. For optimal glycemic control subcutaneous insulin administration is recommended. A medical nutrition therapy by a registered dietician is important to formulate an individualized meal plan. This ensures adequate nutrient intake, excellent glycemic control and adequate but not excessive weight gain. Blood pressure should also be measured at every clinical visit. Hypertensive diabetic pregnant women may be recommended blood pressure medications that are safe for use during pregnancy. Above all, they should be educated about the benefits of appropriate physical activity and encouraged to use physical activity as a part of their overall diabetes management.

Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia are both common in women with preexisting diabetes. She may experience

• Blurred vision
• Unexplained fatigue
• Significant mood changes
• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Sudden, unexplained weight loss
• Headache
• Feeling dizzy, shaky, confused or cranky
• Recurrent yeast infections
• Deep and rapid breathing

Whether you are trying to conceive or already pregnant, treating diabetes during pregnancy is the key to the health of both you and your baby. You are eligible for a Preexisting diabetes treatment and management if you are committed to

• Join hands with your health care provider and devise a care plan to keep a tight rein on your blood glucose levels
• Self-monitoring of blood glucose levels at home with a glucose meter
• Partner with your dietician to develop a healthy meal plan to prioritize proper nutrition. This helps control your blood sugar both before and after conception
• To balance the rigors of insulin, diet, exercise and blood sugar control
• Stay physically active by indulging in walking, low-impact aerobics or swimming

Insulin does not affect your baby in any way because it doesn't pass through the placenta but the extra glucose in the mother’s system from not controlling blood sugar does. Simply put, Insulin does not cross the placenta, it simply treats the mother's high blood sugar.

If you are planning a pregnancy, and your blood glucose levels are high, then a reduction in the blood glucose levels is likely to be good for you and your baby.

For those with Preexisting diabetes, pregnancy is not just the time for bizarre cravings and food aversions but nine months packed with crazy blood glucose ups and downs. Hence, starting a family requires some extra planning especially if the mother-to be is diabetic. Yes, if you are diabetic and embarking on a pregnancy journey it is extremely important to achieve normal blood glucose levels to avoid the risks of still birth, infant death or other fetal complications.