Fetal Diagnostic Center utilizes a team approach in caring for our pregnant patients with diabetes. We do this by coordinating Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists with a Family Nurse Practitioner who specializes in Endocrinology and Obstetrics. Together, these health professionals assist women in managing their diabetes to help avoid potential complications throughout their pregnancy.
Additionally, specialists at Fetal Diagnostic Center may recommend preconception counseling for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics. Preconception counseling addresses the importance of tight glucose control prior to pregnancy to reduce the risk of birth defects and miscarriage.
Specialized Care for Women With Diabetes
Fetal Diagnostic Center offers diabetic patients a variety of services, including…
- Preconception Counseling
- Perinatal Assessment and Consultation
- Diabetes Education
- Ongoing Glucose Monitoring and Management
- Insulin Education
- Initiation of Insulin Pump and Continuous Glucose Sensor
- Advanced Training of Insulin Pump and Glucose Sensor
Nutritional Counseling and Education
- Gestational Diabetes
- Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
- Insulin Pump Training & Management
- Adult Weight Management
- Poor Weight Gain in Pregnancy
Obstetrical Ultrasound Surveillance
- Perinatal Level 2 Ultrasound
- Growth Ultrasound
- Fetal Echocardiogram
- Fetal Arterial Dopplers
- Non-Stress Testing
- Biophysical Profile
Diabetic Management in Pregnancy – FAQ
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disease state that is complicated by the hormonal changes of pregnancy.
When Should I See a Specialist?
Women with Type 1 DM, Type 2 DM or Pre-diabetes should be seen by a specialist prior to pregnancy or as soon as a pregnancy is confirmed.
What Is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as any degree of glucose intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. It does not exclude the possibility that unrecognized glucose intolerance may have existed before or began simultaneously with the pregnancy.
Should I Get Screened for Gestational Diabetes?
All pregnant women should be screened for GDM by their obstetrician between 24 and 28 weeks. Women with a higher risk for GDM should be screened at their first prenatal visit and then again at the standard time if they passed the early screen.
What Happens If I Have Diabetes?
A pregnant woman with pre-existing diabetes or GDM is encouraged to meet with a certified diabetes educator (CDE) for education and management of their diabetes throughout the pregnancy.
The consultation includes education on the diagnosis and progression of diabetes, as well as the potential risks to both mother and baby. Patients are taught how to monitor their blood glucose with a personal glucometer, and are provided an individualized meal plan. Important topics such as creating a healthy diet during pregnancy, exercise, and managing weight gain, are also covered.
Patients are provided the necessary tools to help manage their diabetes along with frequent review and feedback from the diabetes team. If diet and exercise are not enough to control blood glucose for the entire pregnancy, medication may be added to the plan of care and reassessed routinely to achieve optimal outcomes.
Our diabetes team is here to offer continuing education and support to patients with diabetes from preconception to conception through to delivery.
Diabetes Care Through Pregnancy (Gilbert, AZ)
For more information about prenatal diabetes care – or to schedule an appointment – contact us.
