Diabetes in Pregnant Women

One significant way diabetes can be different in women is when she is pregnant. This is 
not just gestational diabetes, which a woman can get only while she is pregnant, but 
there are also risk for women who have type 2 diabetes before becoming pregnant. 

Becoming Pregnant with Diabetes

The first thing you should know about diabetes and being pregnant is that not only is 
gestational diabetes a risk, but if you already have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and 
become pregnant, you need to be even more conscious about your diet and lifestyle. If 
you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away. Don’t wait too long, as you need to 
monitor your blood sugar levels even more closely than you were previously. Your 
doctor may be stricter about your diet, ensuring you are eating all low GI foods that 
won’t increase your blood glucose levels. Also go over your diabetes medications with 
your doctor to ensure they are still safe to take while you are pregnant.

About Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes you will only get while you are pregnant. The 
good news is that it should goa way after you have your baby or are no longer pregnant. 
However, you need to be cautious while pregnant with diabetes and watch your diet 
very closely. Gestational diabetes causes more sugar in your blood just like with type 2 
diabetes, therefore the risk factors and treatments are also the same. Medications might 
not be safe during pregnancy, so you should focus more on your diet, getting enough 
exercise, and reducing your stress levels while pregnant. 

Taking Care of Yourself and Baby

If you are pregnant with any form of diabetes, taking good care of your health and your 
baby should be top priority. It can be hard making a big switch in your diet if you get 
gestational diabetes, but remember this is important for your growing baby and your 
own health. Simple changes like switching to fruit instead of sugary foods and 
beverages, eating whole grains, and eating a more balanced diet can make a big 
difference. Plus following a diabetic diet now can prevent you from getting type 2 
diabetes later on, even after you are no longer pregnant.

Make sure you continue having your blood sugar monitored closely by your doctor if you 
are diagnosed with any form of diabetes when you are pregnant.

