Health issues with Pre-gestational Diabetes
Some women have diabetes, before they conceive (this is known as 'pre-gestational diabetes'). Overall, about 2.6% of all pregnant women will have either pre-gestational, or gestational diabetes. About 10% (of the 2.6%) will have pre-gestational diabetes. Women with diabetes before they conceive can be:
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Insulin dependent, (known as 'Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus' or 'IDDM'). This is also called 'Type 1' and accounts for about 15% of all diabetics. |
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Non-insulin dependent, (known as 'Non- insulin dependent diabetes mellitus' or 'NIDDM'). This is also called 'Type 2' and accounts for about 85% of all diabetics. |
Insulin dependent diabetes is normally diagnosed in people less than 30 years of age and is thought to possibly be the result of a viral infection, but can have genetic triggers. This type is commonly referred to as 'juvenile - onset' diabetes. These people do not produce any, or very little, insulin and usually require injections of insulin to keep their blood sugars normal.
Non-insulin dependent diabetes generally affects people over 30 years of age, and tends to be inherited, or related to other factors such as abusing substances, being overweight or not being very physical active. In these people, the pancreas produces some insulin (or the insulin they produce has difficulty getting glucose into the muscle cells). The treatment for Type 2 diabetes is usually diet modification and exercise, with some people needing tablets.
Health issues with Pre-gestational Diabetes