Diabetes + Postpartum: What You Need to Know
Diabetes affects the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Pregnancy can pose unique challenges for women with Diabetes. In the postpartum period, new mothers may face additional challenges in managing Diabetes. Here's what you need to know about Diabetes and Postpartum.
DIABETES DURING PREGNANCY
During pregnancy, women with Diabetes may face complications such as high blood pressure and premature delivery. It's essential to keep blood sugar levels in check before and during pregnancy to reduce these risks. Women planning to become pregnant should work with their healthcare provider to develop a management plan for their Diabetes.
GESTATIONAL DIABETES
Gestational Diabetes is a form of Diabetes that can develop during pregnancy. It can be managed with a balanced diet, exercise, and in some cases, medication. Gestational Diabetes is usually diagnosed between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy. Your healthcare team will perform an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), where you will drink a sugary drink after fasting. You will then have your blood glucose levels checked 1, 2, or 3 hours after to determine if you have Gestational Diabetes.
POSTPARTUM DIABETES
Women with Gestational Diabetes are at a higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes in the Postpartum Period. This risk can be reduced by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and following a balanced diet. Healthcare providers may also recommend regular blood glucose screening to monitor the possible development of Diabetes.
For women who already have Diabetes before pregnancy, the postpartum period can also pose unique challenges. Hormonal changes, changes in physical activity levels, and sleep deprivation can all affect blood sugar control. Women with Diabetes should work closely with their healthcare provider to adjust medication dosages and management strategies. If you take insulin, your insulin needs will return to your pre-pregnancy needs or lower immediately after the delivery of your placenta.
To help you manage all these changes, check out our Diabetic Pregnancy Journal: Postpartum to help you navigate through this time.
BREASTFEEDING + DIABETES
Breastfeeding can benefit both mother and baby, reducing the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes later in life. For women with Diabetes, however, breastfeeding can also affect blood glucose levels. While breastfeeding, blood glucose levels may drop more quickly than usual. It's essential to plan for this by adjusting medication dosages and monitoring blood glucose levels regularly. It is a bright idea to have healthy, quick snacks available before or during breastfeeding sessions.
CONCLUSION
Managing Diabetes during the postpartum period requires careful planning and adjustment of management strategies. Women with Gestational Diabetes are at higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes later in life and should be monitored regularly. Women with Diabetes before pregnancy may also face additional challenges in managing their blood sugar levels. By working closely with a healthcare provider and making lifestyle adjustments, women with Diabetes can reduce their risk of complications and enjoy a healthy Postpartum period.
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The Diaspense website and blog are solely educational. The information included on the site is not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek the expert advice of your physician or another equally qualified healthcare provider before altering your diet, changing your exercise regimen, starting a new treatment, or changing your existing treatment.