Diabetopedia

Why Plan? Uncontrolled diabetes in early pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, congenital defects, and complications. But with preparation, most women with diabetes can have a healthy baby. What to Do Before Conceiving -Achieve Target HbA1c <6.5% for at least 3 months -Stop harmful medications: ACE inhibitors, statins, some oral antidiabetics -Start folic acid: 5 mg/day ideally 3 months before pregnancy -Check for complications: Eyes, kidneys, heart — all must be stable -Counseling: Discuss risks, options, and birth planning Medications Safe in Pregnancy -Insulin is the gold standard -Metformin is sometimes used in early pregnancy but individualised Follow-up Plan -Monthly reviews until 28 weeks, fortnightly till 36 weeks, then weekly -Monitor blood sugar multiple times a day -Growth scans every 4–6 weeks Patient Story: Shalini, a 29-year-old teacher with type 2 diabetes, wanted a baby. With her doctor, she switched to insulin, improved her sugar levels, and had an eye check. She conceived naturally, and by sticking to her plan, delivered a healthy baby boy — and stayed complication-free. Take-Home Messages: Don’t wait for a positive pregnancy test — start preparing months before. With proper planning, motherhood is safe and joyful. References: ADA 2025, Endocrine Society of India, RSSDI 2024

Why Worry About Kids? Indian children are now developing diabetes in their teens. The root? Junk food, screen time, sugary drinks, inactivity. Top Risk Factors -Family history of diabetes -Overweight (BMI-for-age > 85th percentile) -Sedentary lifestyle (<1 hr play/day) -PCOS in girls Prevention Plan for Parents AgeGroup Key Recommendations 2–6 years No added sugar; play at least 1 hr/day 6–12 years Screen time < 2 hrs/day; family meals, not gadgets Teenagers Discuss body image, avoid crash diets, promote movement Practical Tips -Replace chips with roasted chana or makhana -Water instead of soft drinks -Celebrate with activities, not sweets -Family walk after dinner Take-Home Messages: Childhood is the best time to prevent adult diabetes. One small change a day, together as a family, makes all the difference. References: ISPAD Guidelines 2024, ADA 2025, Indian Academy of Pediatrics

Genetic Risk Isn’t a Life Sentence If one parent has type 2 diabetes, your lifetime risk is ~40%. If both do, it goes up to ~70%. But lifestyle trumps genes. What You Can Do Strategy Action Item -Stay active ≥150 min/week moderate exercise -Avoid central obesity Waist &lt;90 cm (men), &lt;80 cm (women) -Eat smart Cut sugars, refined carbs, and junk food -Sleep and stress Aim 7 hrs/night, manage anxiety -Annual testing Start screening at age 30 or earlier if overweight Risk Scores: Use the Indian Diabetes Risk Score (IDRS) to track your risk — free and simple to calculate. Patient Story: Ramesh saw his father lose a leg to diabetes complications. Terrified, he took charge — began walking daily, cut his sugar intake, and shed 10 kg. At 37, his sugars remain normal, and he’s become an example in his family. Take-Home Messages: Family history is the warning bell — not the final word. You can stop diabetes before it starts. References: RSSDI 2024, ADA 2025, Endocrine Society of India