Quick read
Key points
- 1
If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and become pregnant, your care needs are different from someone who develops diabetes for the first time during pregnancy (gestational diabetes). Pre-existing diabetes requires careful blood sugar management before and throughout pregnancy, since high blood sugar around conception and in early pregnancy can affect the baby's development.
- 2
Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
- 3
Blood sugar readings are outside the targets set by your team
01 · Know
What is Diabetes and Pregnancy?
If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and become pregnant, your care needs are different from someone who develops diabetes for the first time during pregnancy (gestational diabetes). Pre-existing diabetes requires careful blood sugar management before and throughout pregnancy, since high blood sugar around conception and in early pregnancy can affect the baby's development.
With good blood sugar control and close monitoring by a specialist team, most people with diabetes have healthy pregnancies. Planning ahead, ideally before conceiving, gives the best chance of a smooth pregnancy.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Pre-pregnancy planning matters
If you have diabetes and are planning a pregnancy, speak to your diabetes team beforehand. Getting blood sugar levels well-controlled before conception significantly reduces risks to the baby.
03 · Act
When to Contact Your Care Team
- 1Blood sugar readings are outside the targets set by your team
- 2You experience signs of very high or very low blood sugar
- 3You have any concerns about your baby's movements
- 4You're planning a pregnancy and haven't yet discussed it with your diabetes team
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Diabetes in Pregnancy Needs Specialist Input
Management differs from person to person — always follow the specific plan from your diabetes and maternity teams rather than general advice.
- 1Monitor blood sugar closely.Follow the testing schedule and targets set by your specialist team throughout pregnancy.
- 2Attend all specialist appointments.Diabetes in pregnancy usually involves more frequent monitoring and scans than a standard pregnancy.
- 3Take medication exactly as advised.Insulin needs often change throughout pregnancy — your team will adjust your plan as needed.
- 4Eat consistently and mindfully.A dietitian can help you balance meals to support stable blood sugar for you and your baby.
- 5Get retina and kidney checks as recommended.Pregnancy can affect diabetes-related eye and kidney changes, so regular screening (including Diabetic RetinaScreen) is important.
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
With specialist care and good blood sugar management, most people with diabetes have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies.
If you're planning a pregnancy and have diabetes, speak to your team before conceiving where possible — it makes a real difference.