I HAVE DIABETES. CAN I STILL GET PREGNANT?

Definitely, yes!! You can get pregnant and have children even if you have diabetes.

Diabetes in itself is not a contraindication in pregnancy. What is more important is to maintain a strict control of diabetes.

The human body experiences a lot of changes during pregnancy. Hormonal changes affect the blood glucose levels. Although you may have controlled diabetes before conception the hormonal changes tend to alter the blood glucose levels. If you plan for a baby and already have diabetes it is advisable to get your blood glucose levels close to your target range. The initial 8 weeks of pregnancy are very crucial as there is maximum development of vital organs like brain, heart, lungs and kidneys. If the blood sugar levels are very high it could lead to many abnormalities in the baby like congenital anomalies, heart anomalies or defects in the spine or the brain. Statistics have shown that the prevalence of still births or even miscarriages are at a high rate due to factors like diabetes, hypertension and so on.

Some Do’s and Don’ts to look out for:

• Firstly when you plan for a pregnancy, visit your doctor or health visitor. They will be able to help and give you advice. It is worthwhile not just to understand how diabetes affects pregnancy but also how pregnancy affects diabetes as well. The doctors will educate you on what is diabetes, the different causes of diabetes, the symptoms of diabetes, complications involved, self monitoring of blood sugar levels, self administration of insulin, diet, amount of physical activity, and so on. You could also visit a Dietician who will provide a healthy meal plan suited to your nutritional requirements. 
• Do not stop contraception if you are not yet pregnant prior to your visit to the doctor.
• Most importantly the Glycosylated Haemoglobin needs to be checked and monitored. HbA1C gives an overall idea of the blood glucose level over the past 4 to 6 months. If this is under a normal range then you can plan your pregnancy. If this is not within the normal range or more than 8 you would have to wait and control your blood sugar levels to plan your pregnancy due to high risk of chromosomal abnormalities.
• Diabetes is a serious condition in itself, and can give rise to numerous secondary conditions and complications. Pregnancy can make some complications worse, such as eye and kidney problems. You could also develop Pre-eclempsia (high blood pressure and proteins in the urine) which is fatal for the baby. All these risks could be avoided if the blood sugars are normal.
• Eat small meals throughout the day.
• Eat healthy. Replace refined carbohydrates with fibre-filled alternatives. Keep your blood sugar steady by spreading your carbohydrate intake through the day.
• Stay active throughout pregnancy.
• Checking your blood sugar levels often is the best way to protect yourself and your baby.
• All diabetic medications are not safe to use during pregnancy. Metformin and Insulin are the safest choices available. The doctors will advice you on what is best suited for your blood sugars.
• Stop smoking and avoid alcohol. It causes a spike in the blood glucose levels.

Pre-conceptional care is very important. It will help provide a comprehensive care and help your entire journey of pregnancy. This approach will decrease your stress levels and have a positive effect on your body. It will help in having a normal delivery and a healthy baby.

Homeopathic Treatment For Diabetes

Homeopathic treatment can be very effective in diabetes treatment. Homeopathic medicines for diabetes help in strengthening the body’s immune system and improve healing. It can help regulate sugar metabolism and also help to resolve the metabolic disturbances that lead to diabetes. It also enhances the nutrient absorption and assimilation. If one chooses homeopathy at the early stage of diabetes, the overall control of the disease in the future is much better.