Diabetes in pregnancy

Diabetes is a medical condition that may cause complications during pregnancy. Our expert physicians have experience treating high-risk pregnancy issues, such as diabetes. They will provide the special care you need for you and your baby to remain healthy.

We have renowned specialists at UF Health Obstetrics and Gynecology in Jacksonville as well as those seeing patients at UF Health Women’s Specialists – North.

Diabetes in pregnancy: What you need to know

Whether you develop diabetes before or during pregnancy, your condition will require regular checkups and additional medical monitoring of you and your baby.

Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes

• If possible, your physician will work with you before your pregnancy to help you reduce glucose levels and focus on a healthy lifestyle.
• It’s best to control your blood sugar before you become pregnant, as high levels can be harmful to your baby even during the first weeks of pregnancy.

Gestational diabetes

• If you develop diabetes during pregnancy — referred to as gestational diabetes — prenatal screening early on will help detect the condition. About seven out of every 100 pregnant women in the U.S. get gestational diabetes.
• Most of the time, the diabetes symptoms disappear after delivery. Unlike other types of diabetes, gestational diabetes is not caused by a lack of insulin but by hormones elevated by pregnancy that block the insulin your body is making.

Diabetes in Pregnancy: Symptoms

For many women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, there are no symptoms. Some may experience mild symptoms of increased thirst or shakiness; some may have blurred vision or feel fatigued. Most often, however, gestational diabetes is diagnosed during a routine prenatal screening. Nearly all nondiabetic pregnant women are screened for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. A glucose screening test is given during this time.

Diabetes in Pregnancy: Treatment options

For all types of diabetes during pregnancy, the treatment goal is to keep blood sugar level within normal limits to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes for mom and baby.

• Our UF Health physicians will work with you to determine a specific treatment plan based on your personal situation, your overall health and medical history, and the type of diabetes you have.
• In addition to frequent monitoring of you and the baby throughout your pregnancy, treatment may include a special diet, daily blood glucose checks, insulin injections if needed, and an exercise plan.