Article contributed by Ms Yong Lai Mee
The prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) among women in childbearing age is increasing. Pre-existing T2DM in pregnancy increased the risk of maternal and neonatal complications such as macrosomia big baby), miscarriage, stillbirth, eclampsia (high blood pressure and its complications), and preterm labour. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and the American Diabetes Association emphasized the importance of achieving optimum diabetes control for promoting the well-being of maternal and reduced prenatal fetus and baby adverse outcomes. Below are some tips to achieve optimum pre pregnancy diabetes care.
Blood Glucose Control
- Keep pre pregnancy HbA1C < 6.5% to avoid complications during pregnancy.
- Fetal mortality rate increased 4 folds in those with HbA1C >6.6%.
- Poorly controlled pre pregnancy diabetes increases congenital heart diseases by 3 folds, neural tube defects increase by 4 folds and spontaneous miscarriages in 30-60% of all pregnancies.
- Plan 4-6 months before pregnancy to ensure diabetes control is within target range.