Diabetes care areas - click here to navigate to care area page
- Cardiovascular care
- Children and young people
- Diagnosis and continuing care
- Education
- Emotional and psychological support
- End of life
- Equality in diabetes
- Prevention and risk management
- Eye services
- Footcare
- Emergency and inpatient
- Kidney care
- Mental health and learning difficulties
- Neuropathy care
- Pregnancy
- Services for older people
- User involvement
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The team does not and cannot offer clinical advice. If you have any urgent medical enquiries we urge you to contact your GP, or NHS Direct at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or by calling 0845 4647. In an emergency call 999
Folic Acid, other medication and lifestyle
Folic Acid
All women are recommended to take folic acid from three months before conception. This helps prevent Neural Tube Defects (NTD), such as Spina Bifida.
However, women with diabetes need a higher dose of 5mg which is only available on prescription.
Medication
Many medications are not suitable for the growth and development of your baby, in particular those given for: high blood pressure, high cholesterol and some diabetes treatments. It is very important that you check with your GP before trying for a baby as your treatment may need to changed to one that is more suitable for pregnancy.
Diabetes Complications
It is important that women with diabetes have their eyes, kidney and heart assessed before pregnancy.
Weight Management
It is important to maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight it is advised to lose weight before pregnancy to increase your chances of becoming pregnant and having a healthy pregnanacy. This will also improve your blood glucose control.
Smoking and Alcohol Intake
Smoking and alcohol can harm your baby.
You are advised not to smoke or drink alcohol during pregnancy.
Your GP will be able to advise how you can be supported to stop you smoking.
Download: S.A.F.E.R Leaflet (PDF 591Kb)
