Health and Me

Aarushi Bhadury

Diabetic Women Should Be Asked Whether They Wish For Kids At Every Healthcare Visit: New Guidelines To Ensure Birth Safety

Diabetic Women Should Be Asked Whether They Wish For Kids At Every Healthcare Visit

Pregnancy is a delicate time for the mothers as they must take many precautions that will ensure their and their babies' health. What many people do not realize is that diabetic mothers can have complications during pregnancy. As many people lack awareness about this, researchers from the Endocrine Society have come up with important rules and guidelines that will ensure the safety and wellbeing of new mothers and their babies. 

New guidelines suggest that doctors should talk to diabetic women at every visit about whether they plan to have children. This is to make sure they receive the right medical care before getting pregnant. 

The goal is to help prevent problems like miscarriages and birth defects in women who have <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/diabetes">diabetes</a> before they become pregnant. Experts created these guidelines because more women of childbearing age are developing diabetes, and very few currently get the necessary care before conception.

<h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.7em; line-height: 1.3; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 24px; background: 0px 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">How Does Diabetes Affect Pregnancy?</h2>

Pregnancy causes hormonal and body changes that affect your blood sugar levels. Even if you've had diabetes for years, you might need to change your meal plan, exercise routine, or medications. If you weren't on insulin before pregnancy, you might need to start it. It's common to need more insulin as your due date gets closer, sometimes even double or triple the amount. Your blood sugar levels can also change quickly during and after delivery, so your healthcare team will monitor them closely.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases explains that if you have diabetes and are thinking about having a baby, it's really important to get your blood sugar levels as close to your target range as possible before you get pregnant. High blood sugar levels can be harmful to your baby, especially in the first 8 weeks of pregnancy when their organs (like the brain, heart, and kidneys) are forming. This can increase the chance of birth defects. High blood sugar during pregnancy can also increase the risk of your baby being:

<ul><li>Born too early</li><li>Larger than average size</li><li>Having breathing problems right after birth</li><li>Having low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) right after birth</li></ul>

Sometimes, babies might need special care in the hospital after delivery if there's a risk of low blood sugar or other health issues. High blood sugar can also increase your risk of miscarriage or stillbirth (when the baby dies in the womb in the second half of pregnancy). Furthermore, if your blood sugar levels are high during pregnancy, your baby has a higher chance of developing obesity or type 2 diabetes later in life.

These new guidelines cover several important areas, including: 

<h4>Regular Discussions about Pregnancy </h4>

Doctors should ask all diabetic women of childbearing age about their desire to conceive at every appointment, regardless of why they're seeing the doctor. 

For pregnant women with diabetes, delivering the baby before 39 weeks might be safer. This is because the potential risks of continuing the pregnancy could be greater than those of an earlier delivery. 

<h4>Medication Adjustments</h4> <ul><li>Women should stop using GLP-1 weight-loss drugs before pregnancy.</li><li>Metformin should be avoided in pregnant women who are already taking insulin.</li></ul>

For pregnant women with type 1 diabetes, using hybrid closed-loop insulin pumps with continuous glucose monitoring is recommended. These devices help manage blood sugar more effectively. 

Women with diabetes should engage in family planning and use contraception until they are truly ready to become pregnant. 

These recommendations are based on strong scientific evidence from research studies. They also address important topics like proper nutrition and treatment approaches for women with type 2 diabetes, especially since obesity and related diabetes are increasing globally. These new guidelines are supported by many major health organizations, including the American Diabetes Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Diabetes

Diabetes in women

Healthcare guidelines for diabetic women

diabetes and pregnancy

how does diabetes affect pregnancies

Pregnancy care with diabetes

The Itchy Truth About Pads and Tampons: What Your Period Products Are Not Telling You

What Happens When You Drink Lemon Water for 30 Days?

What is Coeliac Disease That Affects 2 Million People in the U.S. Each Year?

Health & Wellness

High-Fiber Dips You Can Make At Home For The Week

Weekend Warrior Exercises To Makeup For Stressful Week

Experiencing Headaches At Word? Natural Remedies To Try

Yoga Poses That Enhance Digestion

Health Benefits of Walking Backwards

No Eggs? Egg-Alternatives You Can Add To Your Diet

Savory And Smart Ways To Add Broccoli To Your Diet

Calorie Burning Habits That Can Help You Shed Extra Pounds

Yoga Poses That Can Help With Bloating

Fiber-Rich Oatmeal Dishes You Can Have For Breakfast

Signs You Must Visit A Doctor For Your Back Pain

Avocado Meal Prep Ideas To Increase Healthy Fat In Your Diet

Arm Exercises You Can Do At Home

Quick-Office Lunches That Can Keep You Full-Longer

How Increased Screen Time Affects Children's Health

Homemade Recipe To Make Protein-Rich Pancakes With Healthy Alternatives

Push-Up Variations You Can Do At Home

Common Mistakes Running Mistakes People Make

Low-Calorie Foods That Keep You Full For Long

Yoga Poses That Help You Get Rid Of Back Pain

Natural Ways To Increase Protein In Your Diet

Managing Excessive Daytime Sleepiness – Tips To Try

How Much Protein Is Too Much?

High Fiber Indian Foods You Should Try

10 Easy Ways To Boost Daily Fiber Intake

Adding Walnut Oil To Your Diet? Benefits You Should Know

Drinks That Soothe Headaches And Migraines

Waist Exercises For More Toned Belly

This Is How Stress Affects Your Heart

Does Digital ‘Brain Rot’ Really Affect Your Health?

Dishes With Fermented Foods To Eat For Your Gut Health

Yoga Poses That Stimulate Good Bowel Health

Weekend Warrior Exercises For Full Body Movement

Weekend Meal Prep Ideas That Will Last You A Weekend

Easy Homemade Healthy Dishes For Long Afternoons

Silent Walking: Mental Health Booster That Keeps You Fit

Dumbbell Exercises You Can Do At Home

These Foods Are Keeping You Awake At Night

Ways to Manage Sugar Cravings

Your Body Doesn’t Want You To Lose Weight – Here's It Resists

Pregnancy is a delicate time for the mothers as they must take many precautions that will ensure their and their babies' health. What many people do not realize is that diabetic mothers can have complications during pregnancy. As many people lack awareness about this, researchers from the Endocrine Society have come up with important rules and guidelines that will ensure the safety and wellbeing of new mothers and their babies. New guidelines suggest that doctors should talk to diabetic women at every visit about whether they plan to have children. This is to make sure they receive the right medical care before getting pregnant. The goal is to help prevent problems like miscarriages and birth defects in women who have diabetes before they become pregnant. Experts created these guidelines because more women of childbearing age are developing diabetes, and very few currently get the necessary care before conception. How Does Diabetes Affect Pregnancy?Pregnancy causes hormonal and body changes that affect your blood sugar levels. Even if you've had diabetes for years, you might need to change your meal plan, exercise routine, or medications. If you weren't on insulin before pregnancy, you might need to start it. It's common to need more insulin as your due date gets closer, sometimes even double or triple the amount. Your blood sugar levels can also change quickly during and after delivery, so your healthcare team will monitor them closely.The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases explains that if you have diabetes and are thinking about having a baby, it's really important to get your blood sugar levels as close to your target range as possible before you get pregnant. High blood sugar levels can be harmful to your baby, especially in the first 8 weeks of pregnancy when their organs (like the brain, heart, and kidneys) are forming. This can increase the chance of birth defects. High blood sugar during pregnancy can also increase the risk of your baby being:Born too earlyLarger than average sizeHaving breathing problems right after birthHaving low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) right after birthSometimes, babies might need special care in the hospital after delivery if there's a risk of low blood sugar or other health issues. High blood sugar can also increase your risk of miscarriage or stillbirth (when the baby dies in the womb in the second half of pregnancy). Furthermore, if your blood sugar levels are high during pregnancy, your baby has a higher chance of developing obesity or type 2 diabetes later in life.Key Recommendations for Care These new guidelines cover several important areas, including: Regular Discussions about Pregnancy Doctors should ask all diabetic women of childbearing age about their desire to conceive at every appointment, regardless of why they're seeing the doctor. Timing of Delivery For pregnant women with diabetes, delivering the baby before 39 weeks might be safer. This is because the potential risks of continuing the pregnancy could be greater than those of an earlier delivery. Medication Adjustments Women should stop using GLP-1 weight-loss drugs before pregnancy.Metformin should be avoided in pregnant women who are already taking insulin.Advanced Insulin Management For pregnant women with type 1 diabetes, using hybrid closed-loop insulin pumps with continuous glucose monitoring is recommended. These devices help manage blood sugar more effectively. Family Planning Women with diabetes should engage in family planning and use contraception until they are truly ready to become pregnant. These recommendations are based on strong scientific evidence from research studies. They also address important topics like proper nutrition and treatment approaches for women with type 2 diabetes, especially since obesity and related diabetes are increasing globally. These new guidelines are supported by many major health organizations, including the American Diabetes Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 

diabetic women should be asked whether they wish for kids at every healthcare visit: new guidelines to ensure birth safety

Supriya Ramesh

Credits: Canva

Health News

US President Trump Is Diagnosed With A Chronic Vein Condition, Venous Insufficiency, Confirms White House

us president trump is suffering from a chronic vein condition, venous insufficiency, confirms white house

Think It Is Just a Cold? It Could Be Allergic Rhinitis, and Here is Why Early Testing and Treatment Matter

think it is just a cold? it could be allergic rhinitis, and here is why early testing and treatment matter

what is coeliac disease that affects 2 million people in the u.s. each year?

what happens when you drink lemon water for 30 days?

For something that’s supposed to be a monthly saviour, your sanitary pad could actually be a trouble in disguise. If you’ve ever spent your period feeling itchy, sore, or just...off, you’re not imagining it. According to gynaecologist Dr Vaidehi Marathe, many conventional pads and tampons contain elements that don’t quite agree with your body.

Itchiness is a common complaint during menstruation, but most people blame sweat, heat, or hormones. The real problem, says Dr Marathe, might be your pad itself. Many commercial pads are loaded with synthetic materials, added fragrances, and chemical adhesives that can irritate the delicate skin in your intimate area. That persistent itch could be your body’s way of saying, please get this thing off me.

It doesn’t end with itching. If you’ve ever developed a rash down there during your period, Dr Marathe says your pad’s texture or material could be behind it. "Poor-quality materials or excessive friction can cause chafing, redness, and irritation," she says in an Instagram video. 

Even tampons, which many prefer for comfort and convenience, aren’t totally innocent. High-absorbency varieties are known to dry out the vaginal lining, leading to discomfort and even micro-tears. Dr Marathe warns that such dryness disturbs the natural balance of the vaginal mucosa, and that’s when things can start to get really unpleasant.

While menstruation has a natural odour, a strange or strong scent often comes from bacterial buildup, not your body. Pads, especially the non-breathable kind, can trap moisture and create a breeding ground for bacteria. Dr Marathe points out that the odour is often caused by bacteria thriving in that warm, moist environment. 

You don’t have to suffer for the sake of convenience. Look beyond the supermarket aisle. Cloth pads, menstrual cups, and period underwear are all gentler options that are free of harmful chemicals and better for your skin and the environment. They allow the area to breathe and are less likely to cause irritation or dryness.

Menstrual cups in particular have gained popularity for being economical, eco-friendly, and surprisingly comfortable once you get the hang of them.

Periods are already uncomfortable enough without adding allergic reactions, rashes, or infections to the mix. If you’re constantly battling irritation or feeling ‘off’ during your cycle, it’s worth examining what’s coming into contact with your skin for hours at a stretch. 

period rash

tampon dryness

menstrual cup

cloth pads

period panties

pad irritation

eco friendly period products

intimate itching

period odour

For something that’s supposed to be a monthly saviour, your sanitary pad could actually be a trouble in disguise. If you’ve ever spent your period feeling itchy, sore, or just...off, you’re not imagining it. According to gynaecologist Dr Vaidehi Marathe, many conventional pads and tampons contain elements that don’t quite agree with your body.Itchiness is a common complaint during menstruation, but most people blame sweat, heat, or hormones. The real problem, says Dr Marathe, might be your pad itself. Many commercial pads are loaded with synthetic materials, added fragrances, and chemical adhesives that can irritate the delicate skin in your intimate area. That persistent itch could be your body’s way of saying, please get this thing off me.Rashes, roughness, and frictionIt doesn’t end with itching. If you’ve ever developed a rash down there during your period, Dr Marathe says your pad’s texture or material could be behind it. "Poor-quality materials or excessive friction can cause chafing, redness, and irritation," she says in an Instagram video. Even tampons, which many prefer for comfort and convenience, aren’t totally innocent. High-absorbency varieties are known to dry out the vaginal lining, leading to discomfort and even micro-tears. Dr Marathe warns that such dryness disturbs the natural balance of the vaginal mucosa, and that’s when things can start to get really unpleasant.That smell isn’t just your periodWhile menstruation has a natural odour, a strange or strong scent often comes from bacterial buildup, not your body. Pads, especially the non-breathable kind, can trap moisture and create a breeding ground for bacteria. Dr Marathe points out that the odour is often caused by bacteria thriving in that warm, moist environment. Healthier swapsYou don’t have to suffer for the sake of convenience. Look beyond the supermarket aisle. Cloth pads, menstrual cups, and period underwear are all gentler options that are free of harmful chemicals and better for your skin and the environment. They allow the area to breathe and are less likely to cause irritation or dryness.Menstrual cups in particular have gained popularity for being economical, eco-friendly, and surprisingly comfortable once you get the hang of them.Your period deserves betterPeriods are already uncomfortable enough without adding allergic reactions, rashes, or infections to the mix. If you’re constantly battling irritation or feeling ‘off’ during your cycle, it’s worth examining what’s coming into contact with your skin for hours at a stretch. 

the itchy truth about pads and tampons: what your period products are not telling you

Giardia Infection from the Well: Doctor Warns Against Drinking Water Straight from ‘Natural’ Sources

giardia infection from the well: doctor warns against drinking water straight from ‘natural’ sources

Nutrition

How Naturopathy Uses Greens Like Brahmi and Moringa to Promote Detoxification and Gut Health

how naturopathy uses greens like brahmi and moringa to promote detoxification and gut health

Can Ricinoleic Acid in Castor Oil Help Reduce Arthritis Pain and Inflammation?

can ricinoleic acid in castor oil help reduce arthritis pain and inflammation?

5 Healthy Foods For Your Dental Health

5 healthy foods for your dental health

Many people start their day with a glass of lemon water, hoping for a range of health benefits—from better skin to improved digestion. But what actually happens when you stick to this habit every day for a month? According to gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi, lemon water can offer some real advantages, as long as you are aware of a few important points.

Lemons are packed with more than 30 beneficial plant compounds, says Dr Sethi. These include antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that support your body's daily housekeeping on a cellular level.

But freshly squeezed is important. “Pasteurised lemon juice often loses a significant portion of its nutritional value,” Dr Sethi explains. 

While you are sipping away, thinking you are just hydrating enough, something pretty important is happening in the background. The natural acidity of lemons can help your body absorb minerals more effectively, particularly iron, according to Dr Sethi. That means your morning lemon ritual might be giving your iron supplements or spinach salads a bit of extra firepower.

And lemon water does not magically "alkalise" your body. But what it does do is help your digestive system set the stage for better nutrient uptake.

Skin Goals and Collagen Dreams

If you are secretly hoping for that elusive “glow-up” by day 30, you might be in luck. Lemons are a great source of vitamin C, a key player in the production of collagen, the protein responsible for keeping your skin firm, your joints cushioned, and your connective tissues in top shape.

Dr Sethi says that daily lemon water may support healthier skin from the inside out. Think of it as your internal skincare serum. 

As Dr Sethi points out, lemon water might not be ideal for everyone, especially those with acid reflux or sensitive stomachs. The very same acidity that helps with mineral absorption can irritate the oesophagus lining or worsen heartburn in susceptible folks. If you have ever felt that familiar burn after a glass of lemony water, your body is throwing a sign.

lemon water

vitamin c

collagen

skin health

digestion

acid reflux

hydration

antioxidants

iron absorption

dr saurabh sethi

Many people start their day with a glass of lemon water, hoping for a range of health benefits—from better skin to improved digestion. But what actually happens when you stick to this habit every day for a month? According to gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi, lemon water can offer some real advantages, as long as you are aware of a few important points.Lemons Pack a Big PunchLemons are packed with more than 30 beneficial plant compounds, says Dr Sethi. These include antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that support your body's daily housekeeping on a cellular level.But freshly squeezed is important. “Pasteurised lemon juice often loses a significant portion of its nutritional value,” Dr Sethi explains. Absorption Gets a BoostWhile you are sipping away, thinking you are just hydrating enough, something pretty important is happening in the background. The natural acidity of lemons can help your body absorb minerals more effectively, particularly iron, according to Dr Sethi. That means your morning lemon ritual might be giving your iron supplements or spinach salads a bit of extra firepower.And lemon water does not magically "alkalise" your body. But what it does do is help your digestive system set the stage for better nutrient uptake.Skin Goals and Collagen DreamsIf you are secretly hoping for that elusive “glow-up” by day 30, you might be in luck. Lemons are a great source of vitamin C, a key player in the production of collagen, the protein responsible for keeping your skin firm, your joints cushioned, and your connective tissues in top shape.Dr Sethi says that daily lemon water may support healthier skin from the inside out. Think of it as your internal skincare serum. The Bitter TruthAs Dr Sethi points out, lemon water might not be ideal for everyone, especially those with acid reflux or sensitive stomachs. The very same acidity that helps with mineral absorption can irritate the oesophagus lining or worsen heartburn in susceptible folks. If you have ever felt that familiar burn after a glass of lemony water, your body is throwing a sign. 

New Oral Treatment Offers Hope For MS Patients Battling Muscle Spasticity

new oral treatment offers hope for ms patients battling muscle spasticity

Diagnostic Anomaly: Rare Condition Turned Man’s Penis 'Rock Hard' Into Bone

diagnostic anomaly: rare condition turned man’s penis 'rock hard' into bone

Flesh-Eating Bacteria Claims 4 Lives in Florida: What You Should Know

flesh-eating bacteria claims 4 lives in florida: what you should know

Does your body respond as if you had just swallowed poison every time you eat a slice of pizza or a comforting bowl of pasta? For around 2 million Americans, this is the harsh reality of living with coeliac disease, an autoimmune condition that’s often overlooked, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood.

Coeliac disease is a lifelong immune response triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. When someone with coeliac disease consumes gluten, their immune system does not just attack the food; it turns against the small intestine itself. Over time, this repeated immune response damages the lining of the gut, particularly the villi, which are tiny structures that absorb nutrients. Flatten them, and your body starts struggling to take in essentials like iron, calcium, and vitamins.

You cannot see this damage, but your body certainly feels it. Symptoms can range from diarrhoea, bloating, and abdominal pain to fatigue, unexplained weight loss, skin rashes, joint pain, and even infertility. In children, it can show up as stunted growth, irritability or delayed puberty.

One of the more frustrating facts about coeliac disease is how unpredictable it can be. Some people show severe symptoms after eating a tiny crumb of bread, while others feel fine even though the internal damage is mounting. That is part of what makes diagnosis tricky. What adds to the confusion is the rising popularity of gluten-free diets. People might cut out gluten without medical guidance, feel better, and assume they have coeliac. But without testing first, any real diagnosis is impossible, because test results are only accurate if you are still eating gluten regularly.

Unlike a typical allergy or intolerance, coeliac disease is autoimmune in nature. That means the body is not reacting to gluten as an outsider but rather misfiring completely. The only known treatment is to totally avoid gluten for life.

That means reading every label, dodging cross-contamination, and realising gluten lurks in unexpected places like soy sauce, soup mixes, or even some lip balms. Even a small amount can trigger inflammation, symptoms, and long-term complications if left unchecked.

Untreated coeliac disease can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, osteoporosis, neurological disorders, infertility, and in rare cases, a type of small intestine cancer. And it does not always announce itself loudly; many cases are silent, discovered only when a family member gets tested or a doctor digs deeper into another issue.

Still, despite the seriousness of the disease, it is very manageable once diagnosed. The key lies in awareness, early detection, and strict adherence to a gluten-free lifestyle. 

coeliac disease

gluten

autoimmune

small intestine

gut damage

gluten free diet

symptoms

diagnosis

nutrient absorption

long term complications

Does your body respond as if you had just swallowed poison every time you eat a slice of pizza or a comforting bowl of pasta? For around 2 million Americans, this is the harsh reality of living with coeliac disease, an autoimmune condition that’s often overlooked, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood.Coeliac disease is a lifelong immune response triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. When someone with coeliac disease consumes gluten, their immune system does not just attack the food; it turns against the small intestine itself. Over time, this repeated immune response damages the lining of the gut, particularly the villi, which are tiny structures that absorb nutrients. Flatten them, and your body starts struggling to take in essentials like iron, calcium, and vitamins.You cannot see this damage, but your body certainly feels it. Symptoms can range from diarrhoea, bloating, and abdominal pain to fatigue, unexplained weight loss, skin rashes, joint pain, and even infertility. In children, it can show up as stunted growth, irritability or delayed puberty. One of the more frustrating facts about coeliac disease is how unpredictable it can be. Some people show severe symptoms after eating a tiny crumb of bread, while others feel fine even though the internal damage is mounting. That is part of what makes diagnosis tricky. What adds to the confusion is the rising popularity of gluten-free diets. People might cut out gluten without medical guidance, feel better, and assume they have coeliac. But without testing first, any real diagnosis is impossible, because test results are only accurate if you are still eating gluten regularly.Unlike a typical allergy or intolerance, coeliac disease is autoimmune in nature. That means the body is not reacting to gluten as an outsider but rather misfiring completely. The only known treatment is to totally avoid gluten for life. That means reading every label, dodging cross-contamination, and realising gluten lurks in unexpected places like soy sauce, soup mixes, or even some lip balms. Even a small amount can trigger inflammation, symptoms, and long-term complications if left unchecked.Untreated coeliac disease can lead to iron deficiency anaemia, osteoporosis, neurological disorders, infertility, and in rare cases, a type of small intestine cancer. And it does not always announce itself loudly; many cases are silent, discovered only when a family member gets tested or a doctor digs deeper into another issue.Still, despite the seriousness of the disease, it is very manageable once diagnosed. The key lies in awareness, early detection, and strict adherence to a gluten-free lifestyle. 

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Diabetic Women Should Be Asked Whether They Wish For Kids At Every Healthcare Visit: New Guidelines To Ensure Birth Safety

Quick Stories

The Itchy Truth About Pads and Tampons: What Your Period Products Are Not Telling You

What Happens When You Drink Lemon Water for 30 Days?

What is Coeliac Disease That Affects 2 Million People in the U.S. Each Year?

Health Conditions A-Z

The Itchy Truth About Pads and Tampons: What Your Period Products Are Not Telling You

What Happens When You Drink Lemon Water for 30 Days?

What is Coeliac Disease That Affects 2 Million People in the U.S. Each Year?