Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that affects blood sugar levels and metabolism in the body. It is especially important for women planning to become pregnant to monitor this indicator, as diabetes can increase the risk of congenital disorders in the child, including neural tube defects. The neural tube forms in the first weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman knows she is pregnant, so preparing and monitoring your health before conception is extremely important.
Women with diabetes have a higher risk of NTD for several reasons. First, high blood glucose levels in the first weeks of pregnancy can negatively affect the formation of the neural tube in the foetus. Second, metabolic disorders and deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals, which often accompany diabetes, also increase the likelihood of congenital defects.
To reduce the risk, it is important to plan your pregnancy carefully. Women with diabetes are advised to achieve stable and normal blood glucose levels well before conception. Controlling blood sugar, following a diet, taking prescribed medication regularly and consulting an endocrinologist can help reduce the risks to your unborn child.
Special attention is paid to folic acid intake, as it is directly involved in the formation of the neural tube. Women with diabetes are often prescribed higher doses of folic acid even before pregnancy to reduce the risk of NTD. It is also important to monitor your overall health, control your weight and blood pressure, and treat any accompanying diseases, as they can exacerbate the effects of diabetes on foetal development.
Regular medical examinations and tests help to monitor the condition of the body and adjust treatment if necessary. Planning a pregnancy with your doctor allows you to choose safe medications and dosages to keep your sugar levels stable and minimise the risk to your baby.
Controlling diabetes before and during pregnancy, taking folic acid, leading a healthy lifestyle, and paying close attention to your health all reduce the likelihood of neural tube defects and other congenital disorders. Timely preparation helps the expectant mother feel more confident and ensures the safe development of the baby from the very first weeks.
