If you are planning a pregnancy, it’s important to speak to your healthcare team as soon as possible, about all the things you need to do and be aware of. However, not all pregnancies may be planned so if you haven’t had chance to do this before you find out don’t worry, but do speak to your doctor or nurse as soon as possible.

Sourced from Diabetes UK

Preparing for pregnancy if you have diabetes

You can have a healthy pregnancy with type 1 diabetes, although managing your diabetes might be harder. It’s important to have good blood sugar control before and during pregnancy.

Sourced from NHS

What is gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar (glucose) that develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth. It can happen at any stage of pregnancy but is more common in the second or third trimester.

It happens when your body cannot produce enough insulin – a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels – to meet your extra needs in pregnancy.

Ladies who develop gestational diabetes are also eligible to attend the Healthier You NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme – identifying people at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, as well as those with pre-diabetes.

Causes and risk factors of gestational diabetes

Any woman can develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, but you’re at an increased risk if:

If any of these apply to you, you should be offered screening for gestational diabetes during your pregnancy.

  • You are over 40

  • Your body mass index (BMI) is above 30

  • You previously had a baby who weighed 4.5kg (10lb) or more at birth

  • You had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy

  • One of your parents or siblings has diabetes

  • You are of South Asian, Black, African-Caribbean, or Middle Eastern origin (even if you were born in the UK)

  • You have had a gastric bypass or other weight-loss surgery

Local support

More information