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Diabetes and Conception

Healthy Conception for Diabetics Is All in the Planning

By Phyllis Ring

Two recent developments that have improved blood-sugar control for all diabetics, pregnant women in particular, are carbohydrate counting and Humalog, a rapidly absorbed mealtime insulin that mimics the body's own insulin activity after meals.

"Carb counting takes the guesswork out of blood-sugar management," Prindall says. "There is a formula for determining insulin doses based on what you actually eat. You adjust the dose to meet your personal insulin requirements," all with adequate medical supervision, she says.

"Carb counting lets me eat more how I want to," says Bleackley. "If I'm not feeling particularly well one day (i.e. morning sickness), I can reduce my insulin a little and eat less. In addition, carb counting makes it a little easier to adjust to increased insulin requirements as pregnancy goes on."

Amanda Clark, whose preexisting diabetes wasn't diagnosed until 12 weeks into her first pregnancy, is now on an insulin pump for her second. The device releases insulin on-demand as her body needs it, and allows her to maintain her usual eating habits and keep her blood sugar at consistent levels, even with morning sickness.

Managing diabetes before and during pregnancy is more of a lifestyle than a chore, Bleackley says. "I get the meals on time, keep some healthy food in the fridge, try to eat normally, but a little lower in fat than most. I walk that mile to the store and carry groceries (I push them along with the stroller) instead of driving. Use the stairs instead of the elevator. Go to the pool when you have time; take a walk in the park."

Want to see more?

• Pregnant and Diabetic: How Will Diabetes Affect Your Pregnancy?
• Healthy Eating During Preconception: Good Nutrition While You're Trying to Conceive
• Diabetes and Pregnancy: You Can Still Have a Healthy Baby
• Preconception Visits: Working with Your Doctor
• Join the discussion on our Family.com community!
• Diabetes Is Not So Sweet: Tips for Tackling Diabetes During Pregnancy