How to Ensure Healthy Moms and Babies in Diabetic Pregnancy?

Diabetes management during pregnancy, nutrition, and breastfeeding. Maintaining proper blood sugar control is essential for women with pre-existing Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, as well as those with gestational diabetes. Pre-conception counseling is important to ensure that HbA1c, fasting, and post-meal blood glucose levels are within safe limits, along with monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight to reduce pregnancy complications. During pregnancy and delivery, insulin doses are carefully adjusted, and breastfeeding initiation is emphasized, as insulin is safe during lactation and helps maintain blood sugar stability. Postpartum, women with gestational diabetes should continue healthy habits to minimize the risk of future diabetes and metabolic disorders. Early detection of mildest form of hyperglycemia and its intensive treatment is mandatory in pregnancy. To protect the growing fetus from diabetes, obesity and other non-communicable diseases in their adult life. This is termed as primordial prevention. This concept also plays an important role in reducing transgenerational diabetes risk. Dietitian Dr. Kavita Gupta provided practical guidance on nutrition for pregnant and lactating women. She highlighted the benefits of high-fiber foods, high protein diet with nuts, seeds, and millets, and encouraged using multi-grain flour for balanced meals. She explained portion control, protein requirements across trimesters, and during lactation, and emphasized incorporating nutrient-dense foods while avoiding excess fats and sugars. Dr. Kavita also discussed the importance of washing vegetables thoroughly, lightly steaming sprouts, and using vitamin-rich foods to enhance absorption. She stressed that supplements are only necessary if a deficiency is confirmed, otherwise balanced diet alone is sufficient. Her advice focused on improving milk quality, maternal and infant health, and sustaining energy levels for mothers during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Expert- Dr Sunil Gupta & Dr Kavita Gupta Anchor- Mrs.Vaidehi Chaware Podcast: 25/07/2025 Recorded at: Akashwani Nagpur Episode: 81