During pregnancy, the safest diabetes medication is insulin. Your health care team will work with you to make a personalized plan for your insulin routine. If you’ve been taking diabetes pills to control your blood glucose levels, you’ll need to stop taking them. Researchers have not yet determined whether diabetes pills are safe for use throughout pregnancy. Instead, your health care team will show you how to take insulin.
If you’re already taking insulin, you might need a change in the kind, the amount, and how or when you take it. The amount of insulin you take is likely to increase as you go through pregnancy because your body becomes less able to respond to the action of insulin, a condition called insulin resistance. Your insulin needs may double or even triple as you get closer to your delivery date. Insulin can be taken in several ways. Your health care team can help you decide which way is best for you.
Other Medications
Some medications are not safe during pregnancy and should be discontinued before you get pregnant. Tell your health care provider about all the medications you currently take, such as those for high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Your provider can tell you which medications to stop taking.
Changes in My Daily Routine
Sick Days
When you’re ill, your blood glucose levels can rise rapidly. Diabetic ketoacidosis, a dangerous condition for you and your baby, can occur. Talk with your health care team about what you should do if you get sick. Be sure you know
- what to do if you’re nauseated or vomiting
- how often you should check your blood glucose
- how often you should check your urine or blood for ketones
- when you should call your health care provider
Being Away from Home
When you’re away from home—for several hours or for a longer trip—you’ll want to be prepared for problems.
Make sure you always have the following with you
“When I’m not feeling well, I check my blood glucose more often than usual. I know that being sick can make my blood glucose level go too high.”
- a snack or a meal
- food or drinks to treat low blood glucose
- your diabetes medicines and supplies
- your blood glucose meter and supplies
- your glucagon kit
- your health care team’s phone numbers for emergencies
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