Insulin
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Insulin can be used in pregnancy to treat diabetes.
What is it?
Insulin is used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Benefits
What are the benefits of using insulin in pregnancy?
Insulin helps keep blood sugar levels within a healthy range in people with diabetes. Good blood sugar control is important because it reduces long-term damage to your blood vessels, nerves, and eyes.
Poorly controlled type 1 or type 2 diabetes in pregnancy increases the chance of miscarriage, birth defects in the baby, and stillbirth. Poorly controlled type 2 and gestational diabetes is linked to having a bigger baby, delivery complications, and problems with the baby’s blood sugar levels after birth. Using insulin can reduce these risks by keeping your blood sugar levels stable.
Risks
What are the risks of using insulin during pregnancy?
There are no known risks to your baby from using insulin in pregnancy.
Alternatives
Are there any alternatives to using insulin in pregnancy?
Possibly, depending on the type of diabetes.
If you have type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes, metformin may be recommended instead of insulin. Some women need to use insulin alongside metformin to ensure good blood sugar control.
If you have type 1 diabetes you will need to continue insulin treatment during pregnancy.
No treatment
What if I prefer not to use insulin in pregnancy?
It is very important to keep your blood sugar well-controlled in pregnancy to protect your health and to prevent pregnancy complications. If your doctor has prescribed insulin to treat diabetes, it is important to use it as recommended.
Are there any risks to my baby if the father uses insulin?
Insulin used by the father around the time of conception will not harm your baby.
Will I or my baby need extra monitoring during pregnancy or after delivery?
As part of routine antenatal care in the UK, you will be offered a very detailed scan to check your baby’s development. This usually takes place at around 20 weeks of pregnancy. If you had diabetes with poor blood sugar control in the first trimester, you may be offered this scan from around 16 weeks of pregnancy.
If you have type 2 or gestational diabetes, you are more likely to have a larger than average baby. Extra monitoring of your baby’s growth will therefore be offered.
Insulin use around the time of delivery can lead to your baby having low blood sugar for a short period after birth. Your newborn baby’s blood sugar will be checked, and treatment will be given if necessary.
Who can I talk to if I have questions?
If you have any questions regarding the information in this leaflet, please discuss them with your health care provider. They can access more detailed medical and scientific information from www.uktis.org.