Diabetes in pregnancy

Diabetes in pregnancy

Diabetes is a condition where the body cannot maintain healthy levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. There are three types of diabetes - type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. Regardless of the type of diabetes, achieving good blood sugar control is essential for reducing the risk of complications for women and their babies.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes mellitus (sometimes referred to as GDM) is a form of diabetes that first occurs during pregnancy, and resolves after birth. Most women do not have any symptoms. All pregnant women are recommended to have an oral glucose tolerance test at 26-28 weeks gestation to detect GDM. If you have an abnormal oral glucose test result, our diabetes educator will contact you to arrange an education session and further support. Most women with GDM measure their own blood sugar levels at home and control their sugar levels with changes to their diet and exercise. Some women may need to commence insulin injections during pregnancy to keep their sugars under control.

Pre-existing diabetes

Mothers with type 1 or 2 diabetes are particularly at risk of pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, preterm birth, problems of fetal growth and development, and newborn admission to special care nursery.  In addition to the medical services of our diabetes clinic, Mercy Perinatal also runs a peer support group for pregnant women with Type I Diabetes.

Our clinical service

Our diabetes clinic is a multidisciplinary service that specialises in the care of women with diabetes during pregnancy. Women have access to a comprehensive team including obstetric physicians, maternal fetal medicine specialists, midwives, fetal ultrasound and monitoring, diabetes educators, and a dietician.

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