Pregnancy complications and birth defects related to diabetes can be reduced with proper pre-pregnancy care. The University of Michigan offers a pre-pregnancy planning diabetes clinic to help women with pre-existing diabetes who are planning pregnancies in 6 to 12 months. Planning for a pregnancy with a pre-existing type 1 or type 2 diabetes requires different resources than addressing diabetes that arises during pregnancy, which is known as gestational diabetes. Learn more about gestational diabetes and resources available at U-M. Research has shown that proper control of blood glucose before conception reduces pregnancy complications in the mother and greatly decreases the rate of serious birth defects in babies. Both of these risks are significantly greater when blood glucose is not kept in check. These complications can be prevented with the proper planning! Program consists of:
- Pre-conception counseling with individualized recommendations for diabetes care.
- Follow-up via monthly visits and phone calls for support in achieving ideal pre-conception glycemic control.
- Referral to the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Clinic for continuing follow-up after pregnancy is achieved.
Topics covered include:
- How diabetes affects pregnancy
- How pregnancy affects diabetes
- Pregnancy nutrition
- Basic diabetes management skills
- How to prevent complications
- Medication safety