Pregestational Diabetes

Caring for Families with Pregestational Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that develops when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin. Insulin enables your body to use glucose and other nutrients from food, store fat, and build up protein. If your body does not have enough insulin, your blood glucose level will be higher than usual, affecting body function. 

Diabetes is further classified into two parts – gestational and pregestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurs when you are pregnant, whereas pregestational diabetes is a condition in which you already have type I or II diabetes even before you are pregnant. 

What is Pregestational Diabetes?

Pregestational diabetes is a condition in which you are already diagnosed with diabetes before becoming pregnant. It has nine classes depending on your age. The classes of pregestational diabetes tell about the severity of the condition. For example, if you are between 10 to 19 years of age, you might have diabetes C, even without any vascular complications. 

Having diabetes when you are pregnant might also cause severe complications in babies. So, if you have diabetes while pregnant, you will require extra care and monitoring. 

What are the Causes of Pregestational Diabetes?

Pregestational diabetes consists of type I and type II diabetes. Type I occurs when your pancreas cannot produce insulin, which happens when your immune system mistakenly attacks your pancreas. Having a family history of diabetes increases the likelihood of developing type 1 diabetes. In such cases, seeing a doctor is important to avoid complications.

Type II diabetes typically starts with insulin resistance, where the body becomes less responsive to the effects of insulin. If you are insulin resistant, your body does not produce enough insulin or does not insulin at all. The main factor that causes type II diabetes is being overweight. Having a poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle may also increase your risk of type 2 diabetes. 

What are the Symptoms of Pregestational Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes can develop in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood and might take years to develop noticeable symptoms. However, they can quickly become severe once you start noticing the symptoms. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes is more common in adulthood. Some of the common symptoms of either type of diabetes are –

  • Blurry vision
  • Increased infection
  • Numb or tingling sensation in hands or feet.
  • Frequent urination
  • Slow healing of cuts or sores
  • Increase hunger and thirst
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Change in weight

Pregnancy can also cause frequent urination, hunger, and fatigue. So it is important to see a doctor to check your glucose level. Moreover, the symptoms of type 1 diabetes include – nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting.

How is Pregestational Diabetes Diagnosed?

Pregestational diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests that measure your body’s glucose levels accurately and reliably. In addition to blood tests, your healthcare provider will inquire about symptoms, medical history, and family history of diabetes to assess pregestational diabetes. The following are the tests done to detect pregestational diabetes –

  • Fasting plasma glucose test or FPG (to check the blood sugar level in the morning before having food)
  • A1C test (to check the blood sugar level over the last three months)
  • Random plasma glucose test (to check the blood glucose level if you experience any symptoms of diabetes)

Get the treatment of Pregestational at Women And Children Hospital in Kukatpally

Type 1 diabetes is usually treated with insulin and regular blood sugar check. The doctor will provide guidance on the timing of blood tests to monitor your blood glucose levels effectively. You will also be required to make a few lifestyle modifications, such as exercising regularly and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol. 

Whereas Type II diabetes is treated with a combination of several things. This also includes medicines and lifestyle changes. You must check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose level to avoid complications. Other treatment and management techniques include – 

  • Quit smoking
  • Cut off alcohol consumption
  • Diabetes medications like insulin or other drugs
  • Exercise mindfully, as it is important for the baby and good for you.
  • Lose excess weight
  • Eat healthy diet

Why Choose Giggles Hospitals for Best Delivery hospital near me

Giggles Hospitals are known as the best hospitals established to deliver high quality care to women and Children emergency. Our doctors carefully examine and diagnose after a consultation. After diagnosis, you will typically be assigned a dedicated doctor to oversee your pregnancy and receive guidance on pregnancy do’s and don’ts. Don’t hesitate to ask questions to your healthcare provider; they are there to address your concerns and provide answers to ensure your well-being.

Our Doctors

Dr. Batchu Sowdamini

Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist View Profile
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Dr. Padmaja S

Gynaecologist and Obstetrician View Profile
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Frequently Asked Questions

Pregnant women with pregestational diabetes have a higher risk of preeclampsia or hypertension, which can cause severe health issues.

 If you have pregestational diabetes, babies are likely to develop obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Women with pregestational diabetes have an increased risk of polyhydramnios, where excessive fluid accumulates in the amniotic sac, potentially resulting in preterm labor.

It is okay to breastfeed your baby if you have pregestational diabetes. Hence, there are no complications.

Pregnant women with diabetes might be insulin resistant. This means your body makes insulin but is not able to use it. Typically, the hormone released during pregnancy to support fetal development can cause insulin resistance in women.