Blood Sugar Levels and Pregnancy
Q. I had Diabetes before I was pregnant. Now that I am pregnant, how often should I monitor my blood sugar levels? -- Shari Green, Hempstead, NY
A. With the added stress placed on your body by the pregnancy there is a good possibility your Diabetes will worsen. Many women who, prior to their pregnancy, exhibited no signs of Diabetes are diagnosed with gestational Diabetes which generally resolves itself after the stress of the pregnancy. Most health care professionals recommend that women with pre-existing Diabetes (both Type 1 and Type 2) who become pregnant monitor blood sugar levels up to 8 times per day. It is a good idea to check your blood sugar before each meal, 1 to 2 hours after each meal, at bedtime, and occasionally between 2-3 a.m. Clearly this is an issue you and your doctor(s) need to keep a close eye on to protect you and your unborn child(ren).