Don’t sugarcoat it, I am a Diabetic
Sunday, November 5, 2017
Diabetes Awareness Month
It is true that diabetes is one of the most common factors that affect your chances of pregnancy. You may have been eating a proper diet to boost your fertility and taking all the supplements needed, yet still facing issues with conception. If so, it is recommended you take a basic blood test to check if your glucose levels are on the higher end.
Most of the fertility clinics have seen a rise in Type 2 diabetes, which is one of the most common causes for infertility these days. When glucose levels are too high, it influences hormone levels all through the body including the extremely imperative estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels required for a pregnancy to occur. That is the reason glucose control is key to your fertility. High glucose levels are accounted to increase a woman’s chances of an unnatural birth cycle by 30-60% as indicated by the American Diabetes Association.
Other risks involved are:
- Expanded risks of birth defects due to harming of embryonic cells shape as a result of the large amounts of glucose in the blood
- A larger baby size resulting in a C-section, which increases a mother’s chance of infection
- An increased risk of gestational diabetes in the mother, which can cause other well-being worries for both mother and child
Ways to control your Diabetes
Most of the doctors ask women to plan for a pregnancy by doing the following in order to control their diabetes and have a healthy pregnancy:
- Get their weight to a normal level (the more obese you are, the harder it will be to control your glucose levels)
- Get your A1C levels below 6.5 before attempting to get pregnant
- Controlling your daily sugar levels for 3-6 months (the longer the better) to give your body the chance to prepare itself for a pregnancy
How diabetes can affect your baby?
An infant’s organs, for example, the brain, heart, kidneys, and lungs, begin shaping during the initial two months of pregnancy. High blood glucose levels can be harmful during this period and can increase the chances of baby birth defects, for example, heart defects or defects of the brain or spine.
High blood glucose levels during pregnancy can likewise build the possibility that your child will be born too soon, weigh too much, or have breathing issues or low blood glucose directly after birth.
High blood glucose also can build the possibility that you will have a premature delivery or a stillborn baby.
Preparing for Pregnancy if you have Diabetes-
1. Visit your health care team, including:
- A medical doctor who specializes in diabetes care, such as an endocrinologist or a diabetes specialist
- An obstetrician with experience treating women with diabetes
- A nurse practitioner who provides prenatal care during your pregnancy
- A registered dietitian to help with meal planning
2. Be Physically Active
Physical activity can enable you to achieve your desired and healthy blood glucose numbers. Being physically dynamic can likewise help keep your circulatory strain and cholesterol levels in the healthy range, lower your stress, strengthen your heart and bones, enhance muscle quality, and keep your joints flexible.
Before getting pregnant, make exercise an important part of your life and include it in your daily routine. Go for 30 minutes of movement 5 days of the week.
3. Take Vitamin & Mineral Supplements
Folic Acid is a critical vitamin for you to take before and during pregnancy to secure your baby’s health. You will have to begin taking folic acid no less than 1 month before you get pregnant. You should take a multivitamin or supplement that contains at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid. Once you become pregnant, you should take 600 mcg daily. Also, check with your doctor if you should take different vitamins or minerals, for example, iron or calcium supplements, or a multivitamin.
4. Discuss your medications with your physician if taking any for other health issues
Few medicines are not safe during pregnancy and you should quit taking them before you get pregnant. Inform your specialist about all the medicines you take. Your specialist can recommend an alternative medicine that is safe to use during pregnancy.
Our specialists are here for you, to guide you and help you achieve your dream of Motherhood.
