Preparing for Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes: Essential preconception steps

Steps To Prepare For A Type 1 Diabetes Pregnancy

Consult Your Healthcare Team
The first step in preparing for a Type 1 diabetes pregnancy is to talk to your health care team before you stop using contraception. They will provide information on how Type 1 diabetes affects pregnancy and vice versa. Your healthcare professional will work with you to optimise your management plan, ensuring you have the best possible control over your glucose levels.

Achieve Target HbA1c Levels
Your health care team should offer you an HbA1c test every month to check your average glucose levels over 2-3 months prior. Aim for an HbA1c of below 6.5% before pregnancy, as this significantly reduces the risk of complications. If your HbA1c is very high, your health care team are likely to advise you to delay conception until it is at a safer level. Our Hybrid Closed Loop Therapy can help you achieve and maintain these targets by providing continuous glucose monitoring and automated insulin delivery, making it easier to manage your Type 1 diabetes pregnancy.

Monitor Glucose Levels
Regular blood glucose monitoring is vital. Your health care team will help you establish manageable target levels without causing hypoglycaemia. Continuous glucose monitors can be particularly useful, especially for those with Type 1 diabetes. CGM’s have been recommended for use by NICE in all type 1 pregnancies.  Advanced Therapeutics (UK) Ltd’ devices, like the Dana CamAPS® FX system, provides real-time glucose data and automated insulin adjustments, ensuring stable glucose levels for a healthy Type 1 diabetes pregnancy.

Take Folic Acid
The NHS recommends Folic acid to help prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Women with Type 1 diabetes are advised to take a higher dose of folic acid (5 milligrams), which must be prescribed by a GP. Ideally, start taking folic acid 3 months before stopping contraception to allow it to build up in your system. If you conceive without taking folic acid, start immediately and continue until 12 weeks into your pregnancy.

Review Your Medications
Discuss all your medications with your care team. Some Type 1 diabetes medications may need to be changed. For example, if you are currently using Multiple Daily Injections, you may need to switch to using an Insulin Pump. Medications for other conditions, such as high blood pressure, may also need to be replaced with pregnancy-safe alternatives. Do not stop any medications without consulting your healthcare professional.

Check Kidney And Eye Health
Kidney and eye health are critical before conception. Diabetic nephropathy can lead to serious pregnancy complications like pre-eclampsia. Your care team should test your kidney function before you stop using contraception. Eye screenings should be done if you haven’t had one in the last 6 months to check for diabetic retinopathy, which can worsen during pregnancy.

Adopt A Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle benefits both you and your baby. Maintain a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a healthy weight as advised by your health care team. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake. Managing stress and getting adequate sleep is also important. Advanced Therapeutics (UK) Ltd’ products, like the Dana CamAPS® FX system, support these lifestyle adjustments by ensuring precise insulin delivery tailored to your body’s needs during a Type 1 diabetes pregnancy.