Risk Factors Associated with Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy

Dealing with type 1 diabetes can be challenging, especially if you are planning to have a baby. Managing type 1 diabetes and pregnancy is not that difficult! In this blog, learn how to prevent health issues for yourself and your baby during, and after pregnancy.

To bust the myth, type 1 diabetic women can have a safe pregnancy. They just need to manage their diabetes to ensure healthy delivery and baby.

Risk Factors Associated With Diabetes and Pregnancy

Women with type 1 diabetes can have a healthy pregnancy and infant, but it’s critical to keep an eye on diabetes issues that may worsen during pregnancy. These include high blood pressure, vision loss, and kidney damage.

Following are the risk factors associated with type 1 diabetes and pregnancy.

• Insulin resistance: Occurs when insulin is less effective at lowering blood sugar levels.
• Miscarriage
• Preeclampsia: A type of high blood pressure that can harm the liver and kidneys.
• Macrosomia: A condition where a baby is born with excessive weight. This can make delivery more difficult.
• Birth defects in baby. Such as heart, brain, spine, kidneys, digestive system, limbs, and mouth.
• Early (Preterm) Birth

Read More: Quick Guide to Gestational Diabetes

Points to Consider If You’re Planning To Get Pregnant

It is important to be in good health before planning for pregnancy. Some things you can do to improve your preconception health and raise your chances of having a healthy kid are as follows:

Discuss family planning and birth control with your doctor about:

• The significance of having blood glucose control prior to becoming pregnant, as well as throughout the pregnancy.
• Your diet, weight, and physical activity guidelines before and during pregnancy.
• Any medicinal changes.

Apart from the above-mentioned points, ensure to keep your blood sugar levels in control.

• Check your HbA1c levels.
• Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
• In addition to diabetes, there are a few more conditions such as asthma, dental problems, obesity, and epilepsy that can impact pregnancy.
• You should try to lose weight, if you are overweight before getting pregnant.
• Make nutritious eating and physical activity a part of your daily routine.

Tips to Follow During Pregnancy

Work with your doctor as soon as you learn that you’re pregnant to regulate your blood sugar and avoid issues.

Stay in touch with:

• An endocrinologist and/or Diabetologist
• An obstetrician
• Diabetes health coach

High blood sugar levels during pregnancy may cause your baby to grow too large (macrosomia), or they may impair the early development of organs and result in birth abnormalities. Hence, ensure to keep your A1c under control.

Read More: How to Manage Lifelong Risk of Gestational Diabetes?

What Should You Do?

• Eat nutritious and healthy food
• Don’t miss out on medicines
• Exercise regularly
• Monitor blood glucose levels regularly
• Don’t take stress
• Spend quality time with friends and family
• Stay positive

You have the best chance of staying healthy during pregnancy and having a healthy baby if you prepare ahead and pay attention to your medical needs. Control Diabetes With Experts!