World Diabetes Day 2025: Can Diabetic Women Get Pregnant? Here’s What to Know Before Planning a Baby

For many women who live with diabetes, the idea of planning a pregnancy can feel overwhelming. There are questions about safety, risks, fertility, and how the condition might affect the baby. With World Diabetes Day 2025 here, it’s a reminder that women with diabetes can and do have healthy pregnancies, but the key is preparation and the right medical guidance. On this occasion, here’s everything you should know before taking that step.

To help explain it clearly, Dr Gana Sreenivas, Consultant - Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore, breaks down what diabetic women should understand before planning a pregnancy.

Can Women with Diabetes Have a Safe Pregnancy?

The short answer is yes. According to Dr Sreenivas, “Women with diabetes can get pregnant, but careful pre-pregnancy planning is essential to reduce risks for both mother and baby.”

She explains that the most important steps include:

• Getting blood glucose levels into the target range before conception
• Visiting a doctor for pre-conception counselling
• Checking for diabetes-related complications such as kidney or eye issues
• Taking high-dose folic acid as recommended

“If you are pregnant, doctor visits and blood sugar checks are required more frequently,” she adds. She also notes that deliveries for women with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes are usually safe when the pregnancy is well-monitored. “The secret is early planning, strict medical supervision, and seamless care during the nine months.”

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What Are the Risks of Pregnancy for Women with Diabetes?

Pregnancy brings extra strain on the body, and in diabetic women, certain risks can increase especially when sugar levels are uncontrolled. Dr Sreenivas explains that high blood sugar may lead to:

• Hypertensive disorders
• Preeclampsia
• Early birth
• Babies with high birth weight (macrosomia)
• A small risk of congenital malformations
• Hypoglycemia in the baby immediately after birth

But these risks are not set in stone. “With proper blood glucose control before and during pregnancy, these risks reduce dramatically,” she says. She highlights that timely check-ups, correct medications, and a balanced diet play a major role in protecting both mother and baby.

How Does Diabetes Affect Fertility in Women?

Some women with uncontrolled diabetes may find it harder to conceive. According to Dr Sreenivas, “High sugar levels can interfere with hormonal balance, disrupt menstrual cycles, and affect ovulation.” In Type 2 diabetes, factors like obesity or insulin resistance contribute further to fertility issues. However, she clarifies that the situation is far from hopeless.

Steps that can improve fertility include:

• Better sugar control
• Weight management
• Regular exercise
• Balanced diet
• Screening for thyroid issues
• Monitoring hormone levels

“Diabetes management through lifestyle changes can significantly improve fertility,” she adds.

What Pregnancy Complications Can Diabetic Women Face?

If blood sugar isn't managed well during pregnancy, complications may arise for both mother and baby.

For mothers:

• High blood pressure
• Preeclampsia
• Higher risk of infections
• Excess amniotic fluid
• Premature labour
• Possibility of C-section

For babies:

• Large birth weight
• Low sugar after delivery
• Breathing difficulties
• Risk of obesity or diabetes later in life

Dr Sreenivas stresses that these risks drop sharply with good monitoring and sugar control.

How Should Diabetic Women Prepare for a Healthy Pregnancy?

Preparation is the foundation of a safe pregnancy. “Women with diabetes should start planning a few months in advance,” Dr Sreenivas advises. Steps she recommends include:

• Consult a diabetologist and a gynaecologist
• Review medications
• Switch medicines that may be unsafe during pregnancy
• Maintain target blood sugar levels
• Eat a balanced diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and protein
• Stay active
• Monitor eyes, kidneys, and heart regularly
• Take folic acid supplements before conception
• With consistent care, many diabetic women enjoy smooth and healthy pregnancies.

What Types of Diabetes Affect Pregnancy?

Dr Sreenivas breaks down the three types involved:

Type 1 Diabetes

• The body cannot produce insulin
• Requires insulin injections
• Needs close sugar monitoring

Type 2 Diabetes

• The body does not use insulin properly
• Managed with diet, activity, medication, or insulin
• Gestational Diabetes
• Develops only during pregnancy
• Usually resolves after delivery
• Raises future Type 2 diabetes risk

All types can affect pregnancy outcomes if sugar levels are not controlled.

Can Gestational Diabetes Affect the Baby?

Yes. Dr Sreenivas explains that gestational diabetes typically develops between the 24th and 28th week and it can cause:

• Increased baby size
• Early delivery
• Breathing issues in the newborn
• Low sugar levels in the baby after birth
• For mothers, it increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later.

The good news? “With proper diet, exercise, and sugar monitoring, most women with gestational diabetes deliver healthy babies,” she says.

Prevention Measures for Diabetic Women Planning Pregnancy

Preventing complications begins long before a pregnancy test turns positive. Dr Sreenivas explains the helpful steps include:

• Keeping blood sugar within the normal range
• Regular exercise
• Eating a balanced diet
• Maintaining healthy weight
• Avoiding smoking and alcohol
• Staying well-rested and reducing stress
• Routine eye and kidney exams
• Strict monitoring in gestational diabetes
• Taking prescribed vitamins such as folic acid
• Close contact with both a diabetologist and a gynaecologist ensures timely care.

What Research Says About Diabetes and Pregnancy

A study published in Diabetes Care found that good glucose control before conception significantly reduced pregnancy complications in diabetic women. The study also showed that women who received pre-pregnancy counselling had a far lower risk of congenital anomalies and preeclampsia.

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Conclusion

Diabetes does not stop a woman from becoming a mother. It simply means she needs more preparation, closer monitoring, and strong medical support. With good sugar control, lifestyle changes, and regular check-ups, diabetic women can experience healthy pregnancies and deliver healthy babies. Planning ahead makes all the difference, and on World Diabetes Day 2025, it’s a reminder that informed choices lead to safer outcomes.