Diabetes Before Pregnancy
Answers to common questions about diabetes before pregnancy.
Questions on this page
- Can a woman with type 1 diabetes have a healthy pregnancy?
- Can a woman with type 2 diabetes become pregnant?
- Why is blood sugar control important before pregnancy?
- Should I plan my pregnancy if I have diabetes?
- Can I continue weight-loss injections during pregnancy?
- Does pregnancy permanently worsen diabetes?
Can a woman with type 1 diabetes have a healthy pregnancy?
Yes. Many women with type 1 diabetes have successful pregnancies with careful preconception planning and close monitoring.
Can a woman with type 2 diabetes become pregnant?
Yes. Pregnancy planning is particularly important because good glucose control before conception can reduce pregnancy risks.
Why is blood sugar control important before pregnancy?
High blood glucose around conception and early pregnancy can increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including congenital abnormalities. Preconception care and optimization of glycemia are therefore important.
Should I plan my pregnancy if I have diabetes?
Yes. A preconception visit allows the doctor to review:
- Blood glucose control
- Diabetes medications
- Blood pressure
- Kidney function
- Eye health
- Thyroid function when appropriate
- Folic acid and other pregnancy needs
- Pregnancy-related risks
Can I continue weight-loss injections during pregnancy?
Medications used specifically for weight management or some diabetes medicines may need to be stopped before conception. Medication planning should happen before pregnancy rather than after a positive pregnancy test whenever possible. Current guidance recommends discontinuing GLP-1 receptor agonists before conception in women with type 2 diabetes.
Does pregnancy permanently worsen diabetes?
Pregnancy does not necessarily permanently worsen diabetes, but diabetes management often becomes more demanding during pregnancy.