Should pregnant women worry about insulin?

The gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition that affects both pregnant women and their fetuses, requiring appropriate treatment. Due to hormonal changes, expectant mothers may experience insulin resistance, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. This is especially true if the woman has previously been diabetic or is overweight. Managing diabetes is essential for the protection of the fetus, and dietary and exercise changes are not always sufficient during treatment.

In many cases, insulin therapy is necessary to maintain blood sugar levels at an appropriate level. Expectant mothers often feel anxious about using insulin, but it is important to know that modern insulin treatment methods are safe and manageable in a home environment. Insulin can be administered in various forms, such as with a syringe, insulin pen, or pump, and in most cases, it is injected under the skin of the abdomen or the outer thighs.

During pregnancy, proper insulin dosing and regular medical check-ups are essential, as the needs of the expectant mother change continuously. This article will detail the most important aspects of managing gestational diabetes.

Changes in Pregnancy and Metabolism

The hormonal changes in pregnant women significantly impact their metabolic processes. During pregnancy, women’s bodies experience an insulin-resistant state caused by increased hormone levels. This phenomenon is normal; however, if the expectant mother has previously been diabetic or is overweight, her blood sugar levels may not necessarily remain within the normal range. In such cases, the risk of developing gestational diabetes increases.

Proper lifestyle changes, such as modifying eating habits and engaging in regular physical activity, are often sufficient to stabilize blood sugar levels. A quantified diet, which allows for the consumption of carbohydrate-containing foods at specific times and quantities, can help expectant mothers control their sugar levels. The goal is for blood sugar values to remain between 3.6 – 7 mmol/l throughout the day. However, if dietary and exercise changes do not lead to improvement, or if high blood sugar levels are still measured during control tests, insulin therapy may be required.

The Process of Insulin Therapy

Insulin therapy can be intimidating for many expectant mothers, as it generally involves multiple daily injections. However, modern insulin dosing methods allow for comfortable and accurate administration. Insulin can be injected using various devices, such as syringes, insulin pens, or pumps, with the insulin pen being the most widely used method.

It is important to note that insulin cannot cross the placenta, so its effect on the fetus is minimal. When used as prescribed by a doctor, insulin can be safely administered during pregnancy. However, high blood sugar levels can lead to numerous complications, such as gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, and may increase the risk of delivery complications.

Insulin dosing and type are tailored to the individual needs of the expectant mother. Typically, human insulin and insulin analogs are used during pregnancy, administered in the form of rapid-acting and long-acting insulin. Rapid-acting insulin is usually injected 10-15 minutes before meals, while long-acting insulin is required once or twice daily.

Important Information and Medical Monitoring

In addition to insulin therapy, continuous monitoring of blood sugar levels is essential. Expectant mothers need to measure their blood sugar multiple times a day to track their treatment and any changes. During regular medical check-ups, the diabetologist, dietitian, and exercise therapist work together with the expectant mother to ensure the treatment is as effective as possible.

As pregnancy progresses, the insulin requirements continuously change, so adjustments to insulin doses may also be necessary. It is important for expectant mothers not to be afraid of insulin therapy, as maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels during pregnancy protects not only the mother’s health but also the health of the fetus.

Managing gestational diabetes is therefore a complex task that requires proper medical supervision. For expectant mothers, the most important thing is to pay attention to their blood sugar levels, follow their doctor’s instructions, and not hesitate to ask questions if they are uncertain about any aspect of their treatment.