quick clicks

preconception articles

preconception q&a

community & groups

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Diabetes and Conception

Healthy Conception for Diabetics Is All in the Planning

By Phyllis Ring

The American Diabetes Association recommends that diabetic women, when possible, assemble a support team prior to conception. That team should include the following:

• An endocrinologist or physician specializing in diabetes and skilled in treating pregnant women.
• A diabetes nurse educator.
• A registered dietitian.
• An ophthalmologist.
• An obstetrician who handles high-risk pregnancies and has cared for other pregnant women with diabetes.

"It is important to remember that the mother is more than 50 percent of the 'team' in getting all this to work," says Dr. Meloni.

"I see the OB/GYNs every two weeks, the endocrinologist every four to six weeks and maternal fetal health specialist for level II ultrasounds every four weeks," says Clark.

Diet demands and insulin requirements will slowly change after the third month as the pregnancy progresses, Dr. Meloni says. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics will have to monitor their weight, snacks and diet composition. Insulin-dependent Type 1 diabetics may need to increase their dosage, while Type 2 diabetics controlled by diet and/or oral medication, and even those with gestational diabetes, may have to add insulin in the final trimester.

With all the attention a diabetic woman must pay to planning for pregnancy and following guidelines within it, a spouse can be an important member of the team, too. "He helped me test my blood sugar when I was tired, helped me through blood-sugar lows, encouraged me and went to nearly every doctor's appointment to help us understand the best paths to take," says Prindall of her husband. "I couldn't have done it without him."

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