Is type 2 diabetes safe in pregnancy?

Pregnancy changes how the body handles insulin, so glucose levels may shift as pregnancy progresses. Glucose that stays above the agreed range can increase health concerns for the pregnant person and baby, while some medicines or reduced food intake can cause low glucose. This is why care is coordinated rather than based on symptoms alone.

Before conception, a review can check medicines, blood pressure, kidney health, eyes and general wellbeing. If you are already pregnant, contact your maternity and diabetes teams early. Do not stop prescribed treatment on your own, because changing medicines suddenly can also be harmful.

Attend antenatal and diabetes appointments, check glucose as instructed and record results with meals, activity and symptoms when requested. Take medicines exactly as prescribed and ask before using over-the-counter products or supplements. Follow the meal and activity plan made for pregnancy; avoid restrictive dieting without professional guidance.

Learn the warning signs of low glucose, such as sweating, trembling, dizziness, hunger or confusion, and agree on a response with your care team. Keep appointments that monitor the baby's growth and your blood pressure. Ask for a sick-day plan for vomiting, fever or difficulty keeping food and fluids down.

Contact your maternity or diabetes team promptly for repeated low or high readings, persistent vomiting, dehydration, severe headache, visual changes, sudden swelling, abdominal pain, bleeding, reduced fetal movement or feeling acutely unwell. Seek emergency help for fainting, severe breathing difficulty, seizure or inability to keep fluids down.

What glucose targets and checking schedule apply to me? Are all my medicines suitable in pregnancy? What should I do during vomiting or missed meals? Which symptoms need the maternity unit urgently? How will my health and the baby's growth be monitored?