
January 8, 2002
Family Planning
Question from Dallas, Georgia, USA:
I have type 1 diabetes. Does having diabetes having any effects on pregnancy? Does it cause any complication other than watching what you eat?
Answer:
Type�1 diabetes definitely can affect the pregnancy. This has been addressed extensively in this web site so you should peruse previous questions.
In a nutshell, there is an increased risk of fetal abnormalities as well as maternal complications. For the best outcome, you should be in good control prior to conceiving and maintain good control during the pregnancy. If you are not already pregnant, ask your physician for a prescription for folic acid. This will reduce the risk of neural tube defects (spina bifida) in the baby.
OWJ
[Editor’s comment: See Planning a pregnancy , at the Diabetes Monitor, for some additional thoughts.
WWQ]