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Type 1 Or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus During Pregnancy, Self

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Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus During Pregnancy, Self Care

Caring for yourself during your pregnancy when you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes (diabetes mellitus) means keeping your blood sugar (glucose) under control with a balance of:
• Nutrition.
• Exercise.
• Lifestyle changes.
Insulin and other medicines, if necessary.
• Support from your team of health care providers and others.
The following information explains what you need to know when managing your diabetes at home during your pregnancy.

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT MANAGING MY BLOOD GLUCOSE?
• Check your blood glucose level every day as told by your health care provider.
• Have your A1c (hemoglobin A1c) level checked at least two times a year.
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Always have a 15-gram rapid-acting carbohydrate snack with you to treat low blood glucose. Family members and close friends should also know the symptoms and should understand how to treat hypoglycemia, in case you are not able to treat yourself.
• Tremors or shakes.
• Decreased ability to concentrate.
• Sweating.
• Increased heart rate.
• Headache.
• Blurry vision.
• Dry mouth.
• Hunger.
• Irritability.
• Anxiety.
• Restless sleep.
• A change in speech.
• A change in coordination.
• Confusion.
• Numbness or tingling around the mouth, lips, or tongue.
How do I treat hypoglycemia?
If you are alert and able to swallow safely, follow the 15:15 rule:
• Take 15 grams of a rapid-acting carbohydrate. Rapid-acting options include:
○ 1 tube of glucose gel.
○ 3 glucose pills.
○ 6–8 pieces of hard candy.
○ 4 oz (120 mL) of fruit juice or regular soda.
• Check your blood glucose level 15 minutes after you take the carbohydrate.
• If the repeat blood glucose level is still at or below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), take 15 grams of a carbohydrate again.
• If your blood glucose level does not increase above 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) after 3 tries, seek emergency medical care.
• After your blood glucose level returns to normal, eat a meal or a snack within 1 hour.
How do I treat severe hypoglycemia?
Severe hypoglycemia is when your blood glucose level is at or below 54 mg/dL (3 mmol/L). Severe hypoglycemia is an

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