UW Health explains how diabetes can effect pregnancy

From wifr.com

Starting a family comes with its own set of challenges, no matter who you are or what your personal health looks like. One factor that can complicate things, is diabetes in women.

UW Health nurse practitioner Dhara Mehta specializes in endocrinology, and she explains types of diabetes can have varying effects on pregnancy.

Types of Diabetes That Can Affect Pregnancy

Mehta explains diabetes during pregnancy generally falls into two categories.

• Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) develops during pregnancy and typically resolves after delivery.
  • In 2021, 8% of women who had a live birth developed this form of diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Pre-existing diabetes, including Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, is present before pregnancy and usually requires careful glucose management throughout pregnancy to support the health of both mother and baby.

                                                                          (Pexels via MGN)

Importance of Glucose Control for Mother and Baby

Maintaining good glucose control during pregnancy helps with reducing:

• the risk of congenital anomalies
• excessive fetal growth
• neonatal complications such as hypoglycaemia and respiratory distress, say Mehta.

Effective diabetes management also lowers the mother’s risk of complications, says Mehta, including pre-eclampsia and the need for caesarean delivery, or c-section.

Recommended Lifestyle Changes During Pregnancy

Mehta shares several lifestyle measures to support a healthy pregnancy and to help manage diabetes:

• Nutrition: Focus on balanced carbohydrate intake throughout the day, high-fibre foods, and appropriate portion sizes.
• Physical Activity: Engage in safe, moderate-intensity activities, such as walking, as recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Weight Management: Aim for healthy, guideline-based weight gain during pregnancy and avoid excessive weight gain.

Recommendations for a Healthy Pregnancy During the Family Planning Stage

Achieving optimal glucose control before conception is one of the most important steps toward a healthy pregnancy, says Mehta.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends an A1C of less than 6.5%, while the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends an A1C of less than 6% when possible to help reduce risks to both mother and baby.

Mehta says it is also important to understand that not all diabetes medications are safe during pregnancy and that treatment plans may need to be adjusted before conception. This makes early discussions with a healthcare provider essential.

She explains working with your care team to develop a personalized plan can help optimize health before pregnancy and support the best possible outcomes for both mother and baby.

https://www.wifr.com/2026/07/24/uw-health-explains-how-diabetes-can-effect-pregnancy/