Ask an expert
Search expert health advice:
Browse by expert
- Allergy expert
- Anti-ageing expert
- Arthritis expert
- Breast cancer expert
- Cancer expert
- CyberDoc
- Oral health expert
- Diabetes expert
- EnviroHealth expert
- Family law expert
Question
06 Apr 2006
Share
Diabetic and Need to fall Pregnant
Good Doc,
I am diabetic and using insulin. My question is in the morning when i test myself it will always be above 7 mmol is this bad news or not. Again i am 1.56 and weigh 85kg and need to fall pregnant, is insulin affecting my chances or not. Your response is highly appreciated.
I am diabetic and using insulin. My question is in the morning when i test myself it will always be above 7 mmol is this bad news or not. Again i am 1.56 and weigh 85kg and need to fall pregnant, is insulin affecting my chances or not. Your response is highly appreciated.
Fertility expert
Dear Dell
It is much safer to try to conceive whilst using insulin. Most gynaecologists would change a patient from oral hypoglycaemic agents to insulin when they intend to conceive, as insulin is far safer. The absolute levels of glucose is not of major concern if the levels remain below 10ml per litre. However, it is believed that the levels of Ketones is of greater importance in the early conceptual period, as it may be linked with embryopathy. Ketones often occur in cases of excess insulin use, which may cause a temporary starvation effect and therefore extremely tight control in the peri-conceptual period may be advisable.
It is much safer to try to conceive whilst using insulin. Most gynaecologists would change a patient from oral hypoglycaemic agents to insulin when they intend to conceive, as insulin is far safer. The absolute levels of glucose is not of major concern if the levels remain below 10ml per litre. However, it is believed that the levels of Ketones is of greater importance in the early conceptual period, as it may be linked with embryopathy. Ketones often occur in cases of excess insulin use, which may cause a temporary starvation effect and therefore extremely tight control in the peri-conceptual period may be advisable.
The information provided does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition. You should consult a medical practitioner or other appropriate health care professional for a physical examination, diagnosis and formal advice. Health24 and the expert accept no responsibility or liability for any damage or personal harm you may suffer resulting from making use of this content.
