One of the lesser known complications of diabetes is the fact that women with pre-existing diabetes and their babies are at high risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

According to Diabetes Australia’s CEO, Prof Greg Johnson, these risks can be reduced through appropriate family planning and diabetes specific pre-pregnancy care, but there is currently little information available to Australian women with pre-existing diabetes on the topic of pregnancy.

“Pregnancy in women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of miscarriage and health problems for the developing baby, as well as complications during delivery. These risks are increased when blood glucose levels at conception and in the early stages of pregnancy have not been optimal. However, with careful planning and support from a team of health professionals, women with diabetes will usually have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.”
“At this week’s Annual Scientific Meeting of the Australian Diabetes Society and the Australian Diabetes Educators of Association in Adelaide, we are proud to launch a new suite of resources for women with diabetes to help them plan and manage pregnancy and diabetes. ”

The resources include:
• Having a healthy baby – A guide to planning and managing pregnancy for women with diabetes booklets for type 1 and type 2
• the first dedicated Australian website on pregnancy and diabetes www.pregnancyanddiabetes.com.au

“These National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) resources aim to address the need to improve pre-pregnancy planning and care in women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and promote optimal diabetes management during pregnancy. The resources include information for all women including the young, Indigenous and women from diverse cultures, as well as their health professionals and partners, family and friends.”

The resources are available at: www.ndss.com.au or by contacting 1800 637 700.

The NDSS is an Australian Government initiative administered by Diabetes Australia.

For more information:
Trish Cotter
[email protected]
0419 363474