Pre-existing diabetes in pregnant women is up
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The number of pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes has significantly increased in the last seven years especially among teenagers. No, I am not referring to gestational or pregnancy diabetes. In this case, it`s the type 2 diabetes which is related to obesity that is most commonly observed.
Here are some statistics to think about:
• 1999 - the incidence of diabetes is 8 per 1,000 pregnancies
• 2005 – the incidence increased to 18 per 1,000 pregnancies
• The highest increase is among 13- to 19-year-olds mothers
This is based on the study of 175,000 women of different ethnic group who gave birth in Kaiser Hospitals in Southern California. Diabetes before pregnancy is more common among African Americans, Asians and Hispanics than whites.
Diabetes in pregnant women increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth or babies with birth defects. Thus, diabetic women should plan their pregnancy to avoid these problems. Doctors encourage diabetic women to seek medical help at least three months before they plan to have a baby so they can increase their folic acid intake and control their blood sugar levels. Overweight women are also advised to lose weight before getting pregnant. Diabetic women can have healthy babies if they plan ahead and consult their doctors prior to pregnancy.
Source:
Lawrence, J.M. et al Diabetes Care, May 2008
Tags: diabetes, obesity, Pregnancy, type 2 diabetes
Melissa Haynie says...
As a type two diabetic I take offence to your description of Type 2 diabetes as Obesity related. While that is a risk factor it is not the only factor in type two diabetes. Genetic factors play an enormous part in diabetes. Both of my parents as well as three or four aunts and uncles on each side a slew of cousins and a grandfather and a grandmother that are diabetic came into play for me. And to be frank only one or two of the people that I have listed could be considered “Obese.” When my husband and I went to genetic counseling due to our troubles with pregnancy ( and our problems have nothing to do with diabetes or my control of it.) I was told that I was looking at a double barrel shot gun aimed directly at me. The more correct way of looking at it is that it is “Adult on-set” and it is often autoimmune related. You can have a healthy pregnancy with type 2 diabetes if you monitor closely and you can also have type 2 diabetes with out being obese.
Science-mom says...
Thanks, Melissa, for the clarification and my apologies if I have offended you. I was simply repeating what the source articles have written. Wishing you all the best in your struggle against diabetes.