Diabetes

Exercise is a healthy part of any pregnancy. For women with diabetes, regular exercise: Reduces stress Improves strength and flexibility Helps your body use insulin better Controls your weight Leads to a quicker recovery after delivery How Does Exercise Affect Blood Sugar? Both exercise and insulin lower blood sugar. The combination can result in hypoglycemia (low blood

The level of sugar in your blood is affected by: Your diet Your activity level The insulin in your body Stress Checking your blood sugar is very motivating. It gives you immediate feedback and lets you fine-tune your routine accordingly. It also lets your doctor adjust your treatment, if necessary. How Is Self (Or Home)

Women with type 1 diabetes will already be taking insulin. In women with type 2 or gestational diabetes, sometimes diet, exercise and regular monitoring fail to keep blood glucose levels in the target range. Generally, your doctor will recommend you start taking insulin injections if: Your blood sugar first thing in the morning (or “fasting”

In any pregnancy, it’s important to eat the right foods to provide for you and your baby. Women with diabetes have added goals: Emphasizing foods that help keep blood glucose normal Preventing the buildup of ketones Getting enough calories to support healthy weight gain Meal planning during pregnancy can be challenging. A registered dietitian can

Labor is hard work. Although most women don’t need insulin injections once contractions start, you may be given fluids, calories, and, if necessary, insulin, through an intravenous tube inserted into your hand or arm. It’s important to maintain good control of your blood sugar levels up to the time you arrive at the hospital to

Here are some frequently asked questions related to diabetes in pregnancy. Q: If I get diabetes, does that mean my baby will? A: If you have gestational diabetes, your baby will not be born with diabetes. But both you and your baby are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Maintaining a healthy weight

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to diabetes in pregnancy. Eight million women have diabetes, and one in 20 pregnant women develops gestational diabetes. Diabetes in pregnancy is a cause for concern. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that pregnancy will be difficult, or that the chances of having a normal healthy

Here are definitions of medical terms related to diabetes in pregnancy. Carbohydrate: A nutrient in food that comes mainly from sugar and starch. Carbohydrate is broken down into glucose for energy. Diabetes mellitus: A disorder that prevents the body from converting digested food into energy. Gestational diabetes: A form of diabetes that begins during pregnancy and usually disappears

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on diabetes in pregnancy. Disorders of Carbohydrate Metabolism: Diabetes Mellitus  http://www.merck.com/pubs/mmanual/section2/chapter13/13a.htm Pregnancy Complicated by Disease: Diabetes Mellitus  http://www.merck.com/pubs/mmanual/section18/chapter251/251g.htm#A018-251-1070 Gestational Diabetes: What It Means for Me and My Baby  http://familydoctor.org/handouts/075.html Exercise: An Alternative Therapy for Gestational Diabetes  http://www.physsportsmed.com/issues/mar_96/artal.htm