A healthy pregnancy is reliant upon a healthy diet and lifestyle way before becoming pregnant. This truth is especially amplified if one is a diabetic. Whether one develops diabetes during pregnancy, or it is a pre-existing condition, diet, exercise and rest must be of utmost consideration in order to ensure that the pregnancy is free from risks and complications.

Diabetes mellitus, or simply known as diabetes, is a condition wherein the body cannot metabolize sugar due to insulin deficiency. Because of the high amount of sugar in the blood, the main symptoms are increased thirst, increased hunger, and frequent urination. There are three types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce insulin, or enough of it, so a diabetic must inject himself with insulin. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body produces enough insulin, but the body resists against its effects. And then there’s gestational diabetes, women who did not have diabetes develop abnormally high blood sugar during pregnancy. Some cases of gestational diabetes develop into type 2 DM after a woman has given birth.

In the past, when insulin and diet modification were far from discovery, doctors discouraged diabetic women from becoming pregnant. Today, it is perfectly alright to have children even when one has diabetes mellitus. Controlling blood sugar must be tight and precise even before conception. It must be maintained all throughout pregnancy to protect the baby from possible complications and to prevent problems during labor and delivery.

Diabetes during pregnancy can be tougher to manage. The placenta produces the hormones necessary to sustain the pregnancy and help the baby grow in the womb. These hormones may have a negative effect on how one body uses insulin. Pregnant women with type 2 diabetes may have to switch from pills to insulin.

Prevention is always better than cure.

The planning for a worry and risk-free pregnancy must begin six months before conceiving. After all, it takes a lot of time, effort and discipline to get one’s diet, exercises and insulin levels in top shape. Experts say that babies who are born with diabetic-related defects are exposed to their mother’s high glucose levels as early as two weeks after conception. If this is the case, no amount of good blood sugar control, diet modification and insulin management later on in the pregnancy can remedy the already-there defects. Some common birth defects related to poor pre-pregnancy maternal blood sugar control are macrosomia (extremely large baby, over 9.5 pounds), cleft palate, nervous system and heart abnormalities, and even poor lung development.

Avoiding alcohol and quitting smoking are two other lifestyle changes one must consider, aside from diet, exercise and meticulous weight management.

It all begins with diet.

One’s eating habits and choices influence weight and blood sugar control.  The most recommended diet for diabetics include high dietary or soluble fiber, and low fat. Choosing one’s source of carbohydrates is extremely crucial, as some foods have higher glycemic index than others. Higher glycemic index means higher weight. A healthy diet must consist of nutritious whole grain breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, meats and good protein sources. 

There is no standard diabetic diet. Prior to planning for a pregnancy, one must consult with a diet specialist to make sure one gets the right nutrients but without the crippling effects of sugar.

Do not underestimate the power of precise prenatal care.

Choose a doctor who specializes in diabetes, and an obstetrician who is well-trained and experienced with diabetic pregnant women. This is so they can monitor you more carefully and pinpoint the first signs of complications, should they arise. These specialized health providers understand the nitty-gritty of high-risk pregnancies, and will offer health education on diet, exercise and lifestyle specific to a diabetic mom-to-be. Likewise, they can recommend a neonatologist or pediatrician who specializes in babies born of diabetic mothers.

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1. Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Are You At Risk?
2. Pregnant Moms Reduce Risk of Diabetes in Newborn by Eating More Vegetables
3. Eating For Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
4. High Risk Pregnancy and Lupus
5. Sample Diet For Gestational Diabetes