You have Class D diabetes if you developed diabetes before the age of 10, have had the disease for over 20 years, and vascular problems are present. This is important to know because having pre-existing diabetes during pregnancy puts you and your baby at risk for serious complications. A person with Class D diabetes may have blood vessel complications which can include heart disease, stork, or accumulations of fatty deposits in their blood vessel walls.
According to American Diabetes Association, studies show that the survival of mothers who have diabetic vascular problems is virtually 100%, with the exception of ishemic heart disease. Fetal survival has had significant improvements over the last 50 years, but still much lower than those women who do not have vascular issues. Over the next decade, after the birth, maternal survival is uncertain.
The Prevention of Complications
When women have already have diabetes complications prior to conception, these complications grow more complex during pregnancy. Other complications, such as diabetic retinopathy, may also develop during pregnancy. For these reasons, it is important that a Class D diabetes pregnancy be planned beforehand and well thought out.
Pre-pregnancy evaluation and counseling are encouraged for women who would fall under the category of Class D diabetes. It is critical to that the mother-to-be understand the risks involved. Women who have poor control of blood sugar levels in the beginning of their pregnancy have a high incidence of spontaneous abortion and fetuses born with congenital anomalies. Therefore, healthy levels of blood sugar being well maintained prior to conception should be of prime importance.
Babies are born in good health to mothers with diabetes all the time. In fact, your pregnancy should turn out fairly normal if you are able to keep your blood sugar within range. This should be your main concern at all times during a Class D diabetic pregnancy. According to the MayoClinic.com, keeping good blood sugar control during pregnancy will:
Reduce the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Preventing miscarriage and stillbirth will be you and your obstetrician’s primary goal throughout the pregnancy.
Reduce the risk of premature birth. Women who keep their blood sugar levels within range are far less likely to have the baby preterm.
Reduce the risk of birth defects. Good blood sugar control reduces the risk of birth defects, particularly ones affecting the brain, spine, and heart.
Reduce the risk of excess growth. When excess blood sugar crosses the placenta, it triggers your baby’s pancreas to make excess insulin. This causes the baby to grow to large, making the vaginal birth difficult and putting the baby at risk of injury during birth.
Prevent complications for mom. High blood sugar causes high blood pressure, kidney trouble, and many other serious complications during pregnancy.
Prevent complications for the baby. Babies of diabetic mothers sometimes develop low blood sugar after birth because their insulin production is too high. Good blood sugar control gives your baby’s body the ability to control blood sugar well and keep healthy levels of calcium and magnesium in the blood as well. Steady blood sugar control also helps to prevent jaundice.
