O24.0: Diabetes mellitus in pregnancy: Pre-existing diabetes mellitus, Type 1

You are pregnant and you have diabetes.

Diabetes is also called diabetes mellitus. You had diabetes before you got pregnant.

The sugar from food or from sweet drinks is absorbed via the intestine. The sugar gets into the blood there. As a result, the sugar level in the blood rises after eating. The pancreas produces the messenger substance insulin. The pancreas is located in the upper abdomen. Insulin ensures that the sugar from the blood is absorbed into the cells. After eating, especially, the pancreas releases insulin into the blood. As a result, the sugar level in the blood then drops back.

Insulin is produced by specific tissue in the pancreas. Your immune system has produced antibodies to combat this tissue. Over time, these antibodies destroy the tissue. As a result, the pancreas is gradually able to produce less and less insulin. If there is too little insulin in the blood, the cells can no longer absorb the sugar from the blood properly. The sugar content in the blood may then be persistently too high. This is called Type 1 diabetes mellitus.

The diabetes may make the sufferer feel a little tired and less capable. They may also feel very thirsty and have to urinate more than usual. Diabetes may also go unnoticed to begin with.

Any existing diabetes can become worse during pregnancy. The diabetes can cause problems during pregnancy. Urinary tract infections can recur, for example. A premature birth can also favor diabetes. The child may be heavier than usual. Once born, the child may also have problems due to the mother’s diabetes.

The diabetes can also cause problems for the mother. If the blood sugar level is too high over a long period of time, the blood vessels in different parts of the body can become damaged. When blood vessels are damaged, circulatory problems can occur. A high blood sugar level can also damage the kidneys and the eyes. A high blood sugar level can also damage nerves. When nerves are damaged, skin sensation disturbances or pain may occur. The sufferer may also have less strength in certain parts of their body.