New research has found that diabetic women are at greater risk of complications during pregnancy. As a result, they need more support and information regarding lifestyle changes.
King’s researchers examined data on smoking, BMI, diet, folic acid intake, and exercise gathered through Charity Tommy’s online Planning for Pregnancy tool for a year to establish individuals’ health behaviours about having a baby.
Diabetic women most likely to experience complications
Compared to individuals without diabetes, pregnant women and those giving birth are more likely to experience complications that could harm both the mother and the fetus, including an increased risk of stillbirth. Prenatal treatment is essential to assist them in lowering their risk factors.
The chance of getting gestational diabetes in a future pregnancy is higher for those who have already had it, but pre-pregnancy modifications can help women’s health.
The findings published in the Diabetic Medicine journal found that women with pre-existing Type 2 diabetes had higher BMI than women without diabetes. Also, almost 65% of the women with Type 2 diabetes and 46% of women with gestational diabetes were obese relatives to 26% without diabetes. Surprisingly only half of the women with previous gestational diabetes or diabetes had taken five portions of vegetables and fruits for four days a week.
Less than 50% of diabetic women take folic acid
According to the study, only less than 50% of diabetic women with previous gestation diabetes were taking folic acid prior to conception. Diabetic women are at risk of experiencing stillbirths more than those with diabetes. Before being pregnant, few women sought advice from a doctor or other professional to help them manage their diabetes.
Tommy’s data suggests that these behaviour patterns are already formed before conception among increased-risk women, as evidenced by the low consumption of vegetables and fruits, low concentrations of physical exercise, and liquor and caffeine intake that are similar to previous findings in women planning childbirth. The research group concludes that diet, exercise, and weight ought to be the main focus during pre-pregnancy management.
