A guide to managing your diabetes during pregnancy
You can have a healthy pregnancy with Type 2 diabetes. This presentation explains what to expect and how we'll work together.
Type 2 diabetes means your body doesn't use insulin well. This is called insulin resistance.
Your pancreas may still make insulin, but it can't keep up with what your body needs.
This causes blood sugar to rise higher than normal. Before pregnancy, you may have managed this with pills, insulin, or lifestyle changes.
Pregnancy hormones make insulin resistance worse. Your body needs more insulin than usual.
High blood sugar can affect your baby's growth and health.
Good news: With careful monitoring and treatment, most people with Type 2 diabetes have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.
Many diabetes pills are not safe during pregnancy. Your care team will review all your medications.
Most oral diabetes medications (pills) will be stopped before or early in pregnancy.
Insulin is safe and may be needed. Metformin may be continued or started in some cases.
These changes protect your baby and help control your blood sugar safely.
Many people with Type 2 diabetes need insulin during pregnancy. This doesn't mean your diabetes is worse.
Insulin is the safest way to control blood sugar during pregnancy. It doesn't cross the placenta, so it won't affect your baby directly.
A diabetes educator will teach you how to give insulin injections. Most people find it easier than they expected.
| Time | Target Range |
|---|---|
| Fasting (before eating) | < 95 mg/dL |
| 1 hour after meals | < 140 mg/dL |
| 2 hours after meals | < 120 mg/dL |
These targets are tighter than before pregnancy. Your care team will help you reach them safely.
You'll check your blood sugar several times daily:
Your doctor will tell you which times are most important for you. Keep a log to share at appointments.
A diabetes dietitian will create a meal plan that:
You don't need a special "diabetic diet." Focus on balanced, regular meals and healthy portion sizes.
Regular physical activity helps control blood sugar and is safe for most pregnant people.
Talk with your doctor before starting any exercise program. They'll help you choose safe activities.
Your care team will discuss healthy weight gain for your pregnancy based on your starting weight.
Pregnancy is not a time to lose weight. Your baby needs steady nutrition to grow and develop.
Focus on eating nutritious foods in appropriate portions rather than restricting calories.
You'll see your care team more often than standard prenatal care:
These visits help us keep you and your baby healthy.
Your care team watches for conditions more common with diabetes:
Close monitoring helps us catch and manage problems early. Most issues can be managed with good diabetes control.
Managing Type 2 diabetes in pregnancy takes a team approach:
We work together to support you every step of the way.
If you take insulin or certain medications, you may experience low blood sugar (hypoglycemia – below 70 mg/dL).
Symptoms: Shaking, sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat, dizziness.
What to do:
Eat 15 grams of fast-acting carbs (juice, glucose tablets). Recheck in 15 minutes. Repeat if needed.
If you don't take insulin, low blood sugar is unlikely but still possible.
Your care team will discuss:
Many people with Type 2 diabetes have vaginal deliveries. Your health and your baby's health guide these decisions.
Your blood sugar usually improves after delivery. You may be able to return to your pre-pregnancy medications.
Your baby will be monitored for low blood sugar in the first hours after birth. This is routine and expected.
Breastfeeding is safe and encouraged. Some diabetes medications are safe during breastfeeding. Discuss this with your care team.
Continue to monitor your blood sugar as recommended after delivery.
Having Type 2 diabetes during pregnancy increases your risk for Type 2 diabetes later in life (if not already diagnosed).
You can lower this risk with healthy lifestyle choices: regular physical activity, balanced eating, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Your doctor will recommend regular diabetes screening after pregnancy and in future years.
No question is too small. Your care team is here to support you.
You can have a healthy pregnancy with Type 2 diabetes.
Your medications may change, but this protects your baby.
Diet, activity, and blood sugar monitoring are your main tools.
Your efforts make a real difference in your health and your baby's health.
We're here to support you every step of the way.