Tommy's PregnancyHub
Long term effects of type 1 or 2 diabetes in pregnancy
The fact that you have type 1 or 2 diabetes in pregnancy does not mean that your baby will get it as a child. But they will have an increased risk of getting it later due to genetics.
Both type 1 and 2 diabetes have genetic links, and for type 2 diabetes lifestyle factors can increase the risk further
More than 85% of type 1 diabetes occurs in people without diabetes in their immediate family. But the risk for people who do have diabetes in their immediate family is about 15 times higher than normal.
On average:
- if a mother has the condition, the risk of developing it is about 2–4%
- if a father has the condition, the risk of developing it is about 6–9%
- if both parents have the condition, the risk of developing it is up to 30%
- if a brother or sister develops the condition, the risk of developing it is 10% (rising to 10–19% for a non-identical twin and 30–70 % for an identical twin)
Genetic and environmental factors determine the risk with type 2 diabetes. It tends to cluster in families. People who have diabetes in the family are two to six times more likely to have diabetes than people without diabetes in the family.
Top tips for reducing your family’s risk of type 2 diabetes
- Eat a healthy diet
- Keep your weight at a healthy level
- If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation
- Stay active and get regular exercise
- Stop smoking
Read more
- NHS Choices. Causes of type 1 diabeteshttp://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Diabetes-type1/Pages/Causes.aspx
- NHS Choices. Overweight children: advice for parentshttp://www.nhs.uk/livewell/childhealth6-15/pages/child-health-measurement-programme-overweight-advice.aspx.
- NHS Choices. Type 2 diabetes http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes-type2/pages/introduction.aspx.
Review dates
Last reviewed: 1 September, 2015
Next review: 1 September, 2017
Also in this section
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Type 1 or 2 diabetes and pregnancy: who will be involved in your care?
Different local areas have different arrangements for type 1 and 2 diabetes care in pregnancy, but your team will include specialists in a number of different areas. -
Labour and birth with type 1 or 2 diabetes
Labour and birth may be different from what you had imagined, but it can still be a positive experience. Talk to your healthcare team about what your options are. -
Second trimester with Type 1 or 2 diabetes
By the second trimester, as your baby grows and starts to kick, you may need more insulin. Your medication and insulin needs will be regularly reviewed with you. -
How type 1 or 2 diabetes might affect your pregnancy
Having diabetes can increase the possibility of problems in pregnancy. But managing your diabetes well, before and during your pregnancy, will help to reduce these. -
Using insulin in pregnancy with type 1/2 diabetes
The treatment you were using to manage your diabetes before you became pregnant may change during pregnancy. If you were using tablets, you may have to start using insulin. -
Your baby after giving birth with type 1 or 2 diabetes
The levels of glucose in your blood can directly affect your baby’s glucose levels when he is born. -
Testing your glucose levels with type 1/2 diabetes
If you have type 1 or 2 diabetes, managing your blood glucose levels can now be much harder in pregnancy. Testing is an important part of self-care. -
After the birth with type 1 or 2 diabetes
You will need to make changes to your medication and monitor your glucose levels carefully after you’ve had your baby. -
Third trimester with type 1 or 2 diabetes
If you are treated with insulin in pregnancy, by the third trimester your insulin requirements are likely to be much higher than they were before. -
Diet and exercise with type 1/2 diabetes
You may be able to use diet and exercise alone to keep your blood glucose levels within safe limits during pregnancy. -
Feeding your baby after birth with type 1 or 2 diabetes
If you have type 1/2 diabetes, feeding your baby after the birth is very important to make sure their glucose levels are stable. -
First trimester with type 1 or 2 diabetes
If you have type 1/2 diabetes in the first trimester you will be referred to the joint diabetes and antenatal clinic.