Type 2 diabetes while pregnant: what to know

Pregnancy alters hormones, appetite, activity and the way the body responds to insulin. Existing type 2 diabetes is different from diabetes first recognised during pregnancy, so tell the maternity team about your diagnosis and every medicine or supplement you take. Glucose targets and treatment may need review as pregnancy progresses.

Good care helps monitor the pregnant person’s blood pressure, kidneys, eyes and general wellbeing while ultrasound and maternity reviews follow the baby’s growth. Weight, including <a href="/conditions/obesity/">Obesity</a>, may be discussed without blame because it can affect planning.

Check glucose at the times your team recommends and record readings, meals, activity and any low-glucose symptoms. Keep appointments with diabetes and maternity clinicians, and ask before changing medicine. Some treatments used outside pregnancy may need replacing, so do not stop them suddenly on your own.

Eat regular, balanced meals that suit your care plan, stay hydrated and choose activity that your maternity team considers safe. Learn how to treat <a href="/conditions/hypoglycaemia/">Hypoglycaemia</a>; vomiting, reduced intake or illness can change glucose quickly. Tell the team promptly if you cannot follow the plan.

Call your maternity or diabetes team promptly for repeated low or high readings, persistent vomiting, inability to drink, reduced fetal movement, vaginal bleeding, severe headache, vision changes or sudden swelling. Seek emergency help for fainting, confusion, difficulty breathing, chest pain or severe abdominal pain.

Ask what glucose targets apply to you, which medicines are appropriate, how illness affects testing, and when to contact the maternity unit. Discuss birth planning, feeding after birth and how your diabetes treatment may change once pregnancy ends.