Becoming a mother is one of the most exciting moments in life, but it can also be one of the most challenging, especially if you have diabetes.

Diabetes during pregnancy requires careful management, but with proper planning, you can have a healthy pregnancy and birth. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to cope with diabetes during pregnancy.

What is diabetes and how does it affect pregnancy?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes blood sugar (glucose). During pregnancy, your body goes through many changes, and these changes can affect your blood sugar level.

Pregnancy can cause your blood sugar level to become too high, even if you have never had diabetes before. High blood sugar levels can cause problems for the baby, such as birth defects, macrosomia (a large baby), premature birth, and low blood sugar levels after birth.

Types of diabetes during pregnancy

There are two types of diabetes that can occur during pregnancy:.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after delivery.

It affects 2-10% of pregnancies and is more common in women who are overweight, over 35 years old, have a family history of diabetes, or have had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy. Gestational diabetes is usually detected between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy and is typically managed with changes to diet and physical activity. In some cases, medication, such as insulin, may be necessary to control blood sugar levels.

Preexisting diabetes

Preexisting diabetes is a type of diabetes that a woman has before becoming pregnant. It includes type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and other types of diabetes.

Women with preexisting diabetes have a higher risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, birth defects, and other complications during pregnancy. Good blood sugar control is essential in pre-existing diabetes, and medication, such as insulin, may need to be adjusted during pregnancy.

How to cope with diabetes during pregnancy

If you have diabetes and are planning to become pregnant, it’s essential to talk to your doctor before conception. Your doctor can help you plan and prepare for a healthy pregnancy. Here are some tips on how to cope with diabetes during pregnancy:.

Keep a regular check on blood sugar level

Keeping your blood sugar level under control is crucial during pregnancy.

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You should aim for the same blood sugar levels as before pregnancy, which are typically between 80 and 130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL one to two hours after a meal. You may need to check your blood sugar more frequently during pregnancy, such as before meals, after meals, and at bedtime.

Watch your diet

What you eat can have a significant impact on your blood sugar level during pregnancy. You should eat a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats.

A healthy diet can help you control your blood sugar level and provide the nutrients that your baby needs to grow. You should also avoid foods that can cause your blood sugar level to spike, such as sweets, sugary drinks, and processed foods.

Get regular exercise

Exercise can help control your blood sugar level during pregnancy and provide many other benefits, such as reducing stress, improving sleep, and boosting energy levels.

You should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week, such as walking, swimming, or cycling. You should also talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program during pregnancy.

Take medications as directed

If you have preexisting diabetes, you will likely need to take medication, such as insulin, to control your blood sugar level during pregnancy.

It’s essential to take your medication as directed by your doctor and to monitor your blood sugar level closely. You should also tell your doctor if you experience any side effects or have difficulty managing your blood sugar level with medication.

Attend regular prenatal appointments

Regular prenatal appointments are essential during pregnancy, especially if you have diabetes. Your doctor will monitor your blood sugar level, check your baby’s growth and development, and recommend any necessary tests or treatments.

You should also ask your doctor any questions or concerns you have about your diabetes or pregnancy.

The bottom line

Diabetes during pregnancy requires careful management, but with proper planning and preparation, you can have a healthy pregnancy and birth. If you have diabetes and are planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before conception.

You should keep a regular check on your blood sugar level, watch your diet, get regular exercise, take medications as directed, and attend regular prenatal appointments.