Diabetes in Pregnancy

Nutrition for Special Groups 3(3+0)

Lesson 13 : Pregnancy in Older Women

Diabetes in Pregnancy

  1. Pregnancy stresses the glucose regulatory system therefore women with diabetes find it difficult to control blood glucose levels.
  2. Blood insulin rises soon after conception and helps in storing energy in the cells to provide for the developing fetus. Later the cells become insulin resistant and other antagonizing hormones increase. The body stops storing energy and starts using it for fetal development.
  3. Poorly controlled diabetes presents risks for both mother and infant.
  4. Without proper management of diabetes, the mother herself faces many problems – high infertility rate, episodes of severe hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia after conception, spontaneous abortion, PIH etc. premature labour and delivery are also common.
  5. Infants are larger than normal and suffer congenital abnormalities, severe hypoglycemia and respiratory distress which can be fatal.
  6. Diabetic women should receive pre conception and prenatal care to maintain good blood glucose control without causing hypoglycemia.
  7. Diet tailored to meet increased needs along with co ordinate insulin therapy is important.
    • Adequate energy to support weight gain.
    • Frequent small meals to prevent hypoglycemia
    • Bed time snack to prevent nocturnal hypoglycemia and build up of ketone bodies. Ketone bodies in excess can lead to still birth.
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Last modified: Friday, 4 May 2012, 6:55 AM