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A healthy pregnancy begins well in advance of trying to conceive. Preconception health planning sets you up to feel your best while growing a baby, allowing you to work towards health goals and manage preexisting conditions that could potentially result in complications.

How to Have the Healthiest Pregnancy Possible

It can also help you make any necessary changes to your treatment plan — for example, if you take a medication that is considered unsafe during pregnancy, your doctor can help you safely transition to an alternative.

Below, we break down some of the most important steps to take as you focus on your health and wellness while building or growing your family.

1. Consult your doctor about your health history

As you begin to plan for a baby, schedule a doctor’s appointment to identify any health issues that can impact pregnancy — whether it’s your first, second, third, or fourth.

While chronic health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disease, and asthma are sometimes linked to pregnancy complications, you can prevent health challenges during pregnancy by staying proactive about treatment. For those with diabetes, this means working with your provider to maintain healthy blood sugar levels before trying to conceive. The same goes for hypertension and blood pressure levels.

Read Navigating Pregnancy With Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes

Be sure to discuss any past pregnancy complications, if relevant. Experiencing certain complications in a first pregnancy can increase your risk of having them again in a later pregnancy. These complications include:

This does not mean that a recurrence is inevitable. Proactively managing your risk before and during pregnancy is the most important thing you can do to prevent these complications.

You should also share any health issues that you experienced during postpartum, including mental health challenges.

Changing a medication regimen or treatment plan

A pre-pregnancy care checkup is also an opportunity to discuss potential changes to your treatment plan. Bring all medications you are currently taking with you to this appointment, including vitamins and herbal remedies.

Never stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting your doctor. Many medications cannot be abruptly discontinued and require you to slowly titrate, or taper off, over a period of time

It is recommended to focus on preconception health at least three months prior to pregnancy. However, everyone has unique health needs, and you may need more time to prepare for a healthy pregnancy. Try, as much as possible, to be patient and give your body the time and space it needs.

2. Get all recommended vaccines and screenings

At the beginning of your family building journey, ask your doctor which vaccines are recommended for your age. Certain infections or illnesses can cause birth defects or pregnancy complications. Many of these can be prevented with vaccines. And since illness-fighting antibodies can pass through the placenta, vaccinated individuals can pass along immunity to their growing baby in the womb.

It’s important to stay up to date since the recommended timing of vaccines varies. Not all can be given during pregnancy while others can. Your doctor can clarify which vaccines are recommended before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and after delivery. (Two of the most important vaccines for pregnant women, the flu vaccine and the Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), can be safely administered during pregnancy.)

Additionally, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, HPV, and viral hepatitis can cause pregnancy complications and harm a developing fetus. Fortunately, treatment can prevent transmission to a baby. Screening for these infections is a critical step in planning for a healthy pregnancy.

3. Take steps to live your healthiest life

In the months before trying to conceive, revisit your health habits and make any changes to your routine or lifestyle that can support the healthiest pregnancy possible. There are several key areas to focus on.

Several nutrients are especially important to consume in the months before pregnancy. 

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends taking a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day for at least a month before pregnancy through the first trimester. This important nutrient supports a baby’s growth and development and can prevent certain birth defects.

Depending on your health history and previous pregnancies, your provider may advise you to increase your intake of folic acid with an additional supplement.

(You can add prenatal vitamins to your next Alto delivery!)

Calcium helps build a developing fetus’s bones and teeth. Dairy products including milk, cheese, and yogurt are the primary sources of calcium, but you can also get this nutrient from other sources including:

If you are concerned about your calcium intake, ask your doctor about calcium supplements.

Iron also helps support a healthy pregnancy. Some prenatal vitamins include iron. It can also be found in the following iron-rich foods:

In addition, be sure to eat foods that support your body’s absorption of iron, including the following fruits and veggies, which are rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene:

If you have anemia, your doctor may recommend additional iron supplements.

An omega-3 fatty acid called DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is important for fetal growth and development. It can be found in some foods such as fatty fish. Depending on your diet, your doctor may recommend taking supplemental DHA before and during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. Some prenatal vitamins contain DHA, but not all, so be sure to check the ingredient list.

Since heavy caffeine consumption can affect fertility, it is recommended to reduce your intake to 200-300 mg per day.

Aim for about 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, incorporating some muscle-strengthening exercises.

Being underweight or overweight can cause health issues during pregnancy. Try to reach and maintain a healthy weight in the months before trying to conceive. Your provider is an important resource and can advise you on whether your weight may impact your pregnancy.

Smoking, drinking alcohol, and using certain drugs — including misusing prescription medication — can cause serious health issues during pregnancy like preterm birth and birth defects. When planning for a future pregnancy, do not be afraid to ask for any support needed to give up harmful behaviors. Your provider can offer resources. 

It’s also important to avoid secondhand smoke during pregnancy.

Genetics are a factor in your baby’s health and the progression of your pregnancy. Prior to pregnancy, discuss your family’s health history as well as your partner’s with your provider. This allows them to identify any genetic risk factors.

Some couples and individuals may be referred to a genetic specialist for reasons such as the following:

A family history of a genetic condition, birth defect, chromosomal disorder, or cancer

Two or more pregnancy losses or a stillbirth

Having given birth to a child with a genetic condition, birth defect, or intellectual disability

These risk factors do not guarantee that your baby will develop a health condition or that you will have a complicated pregnancy. Genetic testing can determine the likelihood of passing on a genetic issue to a child. A genetic specialist can help you understand your options for testing.

5. Prioritize your partner’s health as well

Preconception health concerns both parents. Male partners should also take steps to become as healthy as possible, which will improve their own reproductive health and fertility. This includes limiting their alcohol intake, quitting smoking or using harmful substances, and eating a healthy diet. (These lifestyle factors have been linked to issues with sperm production.)

Other important steps for male partners to take before trying to conceive include getting screened for STIs and consulting with a provider about family health history and medication use.

Alto Pharmacy can support you in preparing for a healthy pregnancy, however that looks for you. From delivering prenatal vitamins straight to your doorstep, supporting you in managing a chronic condition, or helping you navigate fertility treatment, we make it as simple as possible to focus on your health.

We offer free, same-day delivery and in-app medication management tools like reminders and auto refills. Additionally, our pharmacists are available to answer any questions you may have about medications or side effects.

To learn more, reach out any time through secure in-app messaging or by phone at 1-800-874-5881.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects women of reproductive age and is characterized by a hormone imbalance. It can impact many areas of a woman’s health, including menstrual cycles, fertility, insulin levels, and risk of cardiovascular disease.

How Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Affects Fertility

Symptoms of PCOS can be treated through a combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Here’s what to know about the condition’s causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Polycystic ovary syndrome has three defining symptoms: high levels of male hormones, irregular menstrual cycles, and the development of cysts in the ovaries. These features overlap.

Many women with PCOS have higher levels of androgen hormones, which are responsible for the development of certain male characteristics. For those with PCOS, overproduction of androgens leads to irregular menstrual cycles, hair loss, extra growth of hair on the face and body, and acne.

The cysts that develop in the ovaries are small follicles containing an immature egg. Since these eggs do not reach maturity, ovulation — the release of a mature egg from the ovaries — does not occur. The absence of ovulation leads to further imbalance of hormones, as progesterone decreases.

PCOS is the leading cause of female infertility.

Polycystic ovary syndrome can develop at any age after puberty. It is estimated that 5-10% of women between the ages of 15-44 have the condition.

The specific causes of PCOS have not been identified, but the medical community believes that condition is the result of several intersecting factors: insulin resistance, higher levels of androgens, higher levels of inflammation, and an irregular menstrual cycle.

Some evidence suggests that PCOS may have a genetic component. You may have a higher risk of developing PCOS if you have a mother, sister, or aunt with the condition. Obesity is also a risk factor.

Common symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome include:

Irregular, absent, or abnormally short (i.e., less than 21 days) menstrual periods

Excess hair on the face, chin, chest, abdomen, or upper thighs, also referred to as hirsutism

Weight gain or difficulty maintaining a healthy weight

Patches of darkened skin, particularly on the neck, in the groin, and beneath the breasts

Small flaps of excess skin near the neck or armpits, sometimes referred to as skin tags

Infertility, defined as the inability to get pregnant after twelve months or more of unprotected sex

The hormone imbalances that characterize PCOS can affect many areas of a woman’s health, including the following.

Infertility is a common symptom of PCOS, as hormone levels interfere with ovulation, an important step in reproduction. However, PCOS is a highly treatable cause of infertility. Many individuals and couples affected by PCOS do become pregnant after fertility treatment.

During pregnancy, women with PCOS may face a greater risk for miscarriage, high blood pressure, and gestational diabetes. They are also more likely to deliver prematurely. If you have PCOS, you can set yourself up for a healthy pregnancy by maintaining a healthy weight and blood sugar levels before trying to conceive and during pregnancy.

Insulin is a hormone naturally produced in the pancreas. It helps convert sugar, or glucose, into energy. Type 2 diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels rise due to issues with the body’s production or use of insulin. Since insulin resistance is often a symptom of PCOS, many individuals with the condition have a greater risk for type 2 diabetes.

Individuals with PCOS are also more likely to develop metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions associated with a higher risk for diabetes and heart disease, including:

Abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels

Endometrial hyperplasia, a condition in which the lining of the uterus becomes too thick, is also associated with PCOS. It can increase a woman’s risk for endometrial cancer.

The process for diagnosing PCOS includes a conversation about your health history, a physical exam, and several tests that can rule out other causes of PCOS symptoms.

During the physical exam, a healthcare provider typically measures blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and waist size. They will also check your skin for extra hair, acne, or discoloration.

Your doctor will likely conduct a pelvic exam to check for signs of high androgen levels and abnormalities with your ovaries. Then, a pelvic ultrasound, or sonogram, will check the ovaries for cysts and scan the uterine lining.

Blood tests may be used to measure levels of androgens as well as hormones linked to other health conditions with similar symptoms as PCOS. You may also be tested for high cholesterol and diabetes.

If other health conditions have been ruled out, you must have at least two of the following symptoms to be diagnosed with PCOS:

Irregular, absent, or abnormally short menstrual periods

Signs of high androgen levels such as hirsutism, acne, or thinning of hair on the scalp

PCOS and related medical conditions can be managed through a variety of treatments including medications and lifestyle changes. Treatment is tailored to an individual’s health history, PCOS symptoms, and reproductive goals. Here’s how different treatment options target various symptoms of PCOS.

Hormonal birth control, which may contain both estrogen and progestin, is often used to regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle. It can also reduce hirsutism and acne and lower the risk of endometrial cancer. Many women who do not have plans to get pregnant use hormonal birth control as a long-term treatment for PCOS.

Metformin, an oral medication most commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes, is sometimes used off-label to treat PCOS. It improves the body’s response to insulin and can lower blood sugar and androgen levels. In some cases, it may be effective at restoring ovulation, though it typically does not treat hirsutism or acne.

Anti-androgen medications such as spironolactone (CaroSpir® and Aldactone®) block the effects of androgens and treat hirsutism. They are often used in combination with birth control and should not be used during pregnancy or when trying to conceive.

Maintaining a healthy weight can help regulate menstrual cycles. It may also improve insulin levels and treat excess hair growth and acne. Additionally, following a heart-healthy diet and staying physically active is especially important for those with PCOS.

In many cases, metformin or lifestyle changes can help address ovulation issues associated with PCOS. There are additional treatments that restore ovulation in women with PCOS, including oral medications used to treat infertility such as Clomid® and Femara® and injectable fertility medications including gonadotropins.

A procedure called laparoscopic ovarian drilling is a fertility treatment typically reserved for cases when medication is not effective.

PCOS treatment looks different for each individual, and our team has the expertise to support your personal health journey. Whether you are getting started with hormonal birth control, metformin, or fertility treatment, we’re here to simplify medication management and keep you supported.

We offer free, same-day delivery seven days a week, with temperature controlled packaging that ensures fertility medications always arrive in the right condition. And we’ll work with your doctor, your insurance (if applicable), and any third party savings programs that you may qualify for to ensure your medications are as affordable as possible.

All third party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Alto’s use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.

Living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes does not prevent a healthy pregnancy. Thanks to insulin therapy and effective blood sugar management options, many women with diabetes successfully navigate pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. While there are some pregnancy risks and challenges tied to type 1 diabetes specifically, careful planning and proactive diabetes management throughout pregnancy can keep you and your baby healthy.

Navigating Pregnancy With Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes

Here’s an overview of what pregnancy with type 1 or type 2 diabetes may look like — from fertility to childbirth and beyond — to help you explore your family building options.

Many people with diabetes wonder how the condition will impact their fertility. Having diabetes does not mean you will have more difficulty conceiving. Consistently high blood sugar levels are the main way that diabetes can make it challenging to get pregnant. 

Some research has found that women with type 1 diabetes are more likely to have irregular menstrual cycles or delayed ovulation — factors that affect your fertility — but these health issues are also linked to elevated blood sugar. 

High blood sugar can be managed, and informing your doctor of your plans to build or expand your family early on can help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels before you start trying to conceive.

While every pregnancy carries the possibility of complications, type 1 diabetes is linked to the following.

Preeclampsia — Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure that can result in liver or kidney damage. Women with type 1 diabetes may face a greater risk for this complication since they often have higher baseline blood pressure before pregnancy.

Insulin resistance — Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make your body less effective at using insulin, resulting in decreased glucose produced from the liver. (This can lead to the development of gestational diabetes in women without preexisting diabetes during pregnancy.) As the placenta grows, insulin resistance increases. This can affect your blood sugar levels.

Miscarriage — Women with type 1 diabetes have a higher risk for miscarriage — the loss of a baby before 20 weeks — or stillbirth — the loss of a baby after 20 weeks. Birth defects caused by high blood sugar may be a contributing factor.

Macrosomia — Macrosomia refers to a newborn with a higher-than-average birth weight, which can make childbirth more difficult for a mother.

Birth defects affecting your baby’s heart, brain, spine, kidneys, digestive system, limbs, and mouth

In addition, without effective diabetes management, pregnancy can intensify preexisting diabetes-related complications.

These risks are manageable, however, it’s important to prepare for pregnancy in advance of trying to conceive and to stay vigilant about diabetes management throughout this journey. Preconception planning allows you to work toward health goals and ensure that you have an appropriate care team and medication protocol in place.

When planning a pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider before trying to conceive to review your blood sugar levels, make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan, and evaluate potential diabetes-related health complications. If you become pregnant unexpectedly, contact your provider as soon as you learn of your pregnancy to discuss blood sugar monitoring, medication changes, and other factors that can lower your risk of pregnancy complications.

Here are some action items to focus on in the months leading up to conception. This is intended to be a high-level guide. Consult your care team for a more individualized plan.

Your A1C levels are your average blood sugar levels over a period of two to three months. Your blood sugar levels can impact the development of your baby’s organs during the first 8-12 weeks of your pregnancy, so it’s even more important to maintain healthy blood sugar levels before pregnancy. As you plan for pregnancy, ask your doctor to clarify your A1C goals and how long to maintain them before you try to conceive.

Review your treatment plan and make necessary medication adjustments

Not all medications and supplements are safe to take during pregnancy. Speak with your care team about each medication and supplement you take before trying to conceive. Never stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting your doctor.

Since there are considerations specific to type 1 diabetes during pregnancy, you may want to look for a healthcare professional who works at the intersection of diabetes treatment and maternal health.

Consider working with an endocrinologist — a physician who treats hormone-related conditions such as diabetes — who focuses on treating pregnant women with diabetes. Alternatively, some OB/GYNs have specialized training in managing diabetes during pregnancy.

You may also benefit from working with a diabetes educator, a healthcare professional certified to coach individuals living with diabetes. They can offer individualized guidance about navigating pregnancy with the condition.

Vigilant monitoring of your insulin needs and blood sugar levels is the most important thing you can do to have a healthy and safe pregnancy. As your pregnancy progresses, pay attention to changes in how much insulin you need. Many women with diabetes experience lower blood sugar during pregnancy. Continue to revisit your treatment plan with your care team and confirm the recommended dosage and frequency of insulin. 

There are diabetes supplies that can make it easier to check your blood sugar more frequently. Many pregnant women with diabetes use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), an electronic device that collects glucose readings every five minutes throughout the day. Talk to your doctor to learn if a CGM is an appropriate option for you.

Most individuals with diabetes require more insulin throughout pregnancy since insulin resistance typically increases as your pregnancy progresses. You may find it helpful to use an insulin delivery method that eliminates the need for multiple daily injections such as an insulin pump. Additionally, an insulin pen allows for faster administration of insulin injections throughout the day.

Having a birth plan in place can help you prepare for any scenario during labor and delivery. Here is some diabetes-related information to include.

Who will monitor your blood sugar levels during and after labor and delivery?

What diabetes supplies do you need to pack in your bag, if delivering at a hospital or medical facility?

What is the procedure for women who use an insulin pump at your chosen hospital or medical facility? (if applicable)

What is the procedure for women who use a CGM at your chosen hospital or medical facility? (if applicable)

Blood sugar levels can fluctuate during labor and delivery. They often rise during labor but drop just before or immediately after delivery. Your care team can help you prepare for these possibilities. If using an insulin pump or CGM, speak with your doctor about protocol for continuing to wear these devices during delivery.

Many women assume that they will struggle with breastfeeding due to their diabetes. However, you can breastfeed while living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The condition may delay breast milk production but this should improve with time.

Keep in mind that breastfeeding takes up energy, which can affect your blood sugar levels and insulin needs. Some research has found that lactation can increase the risk of overnight hypoglycemia, or severely low blood sugar. Make sure that someone around you understands the signs of hypoglycemia and how to address it.

Above all, remember that you aren’t alone in navigating the challenges of type 1 or type 2 diabetes during pregnancy. In addition to your care team and loved ones, the following organizations can help you connect with other women who understand this experience.

Beyond Type 1 and Beyond Type 2 are global online communities for individuals living with diabetes.

JDRF is a destination for type 1 diabetes support and community, with opportunities to connect locally with those affected by type 1 diabetes.

A diabetes pharmacy partner you can rely on

At Alto, we make it as easy as possible to manage diabetes throughout your family building journey. We offer free, same-day delivery of medications and supplies right to your doorstep, and our dedicated diabetes team is here to answer any questions you may have.

Reach out any time via phone at 1-800-874-5881, or in-app messaging.

While gestational diabetes can be an upsetting diagnosis to receive, it is very manageable.  With an effective treatment plan you can manage your blood sugar levels and have a healthy pregnancy.

Gestational Diabetes: Signs, Causes, and Treatment

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy. It affects approximately 10% of pregnancies, and millions of women, in the U.S. every year. Like all types of diabetes, the condition involves complications with the body’s production of insulin, a hormone that converts sugar into energy. If untreated, it can lead to high levels of blood glucose, which can lead to complications for both you and your baby.

While gestational diabetes can be an upsetting diagnosis to receive, it is very manageable.  With an effective treatment plan, including a healthy diet, exercise, and, if needed, medication, you can manage your blood sugar levels and have a healthy pregnancy.  

During your pregnancy, hormone level changes can affect how your body processes sugar. The placenta — an organ in your uterus that forms by week 12 of the pregnancy to deliver nutrients to your baby — produces a variety of hormones. Gestational diabetes occurs when some of these hormones, specifically estrogen, cortisol, and human placental lactogen, interfere with insulin function, causing blood sugar levels to rise.

Gestational diabetes typically develops in the middle of pregnancy, and most doctors test for it between weeks 24 and 28. There often aren’t any noticeable symptoms, and some of the key signs of gestational diabetes overlap with other changes that occur during pregnancy like being thirstier or hungrier and urinating more frequently than usual.

Most women who develop gestational diabetes are over 25. In addition, you are more likely to develop gestational diabetes if you:

Were overweight before you became pregnant

Are Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander

Have prediabetes, a condition in which blood sugar levels are elevated but still below the official threshold for a diabetes diagnosis

Have had gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy or gave birth to a baby over nine pounds

Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or another health condition linked to problems with insulin

Have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or other medical complications

If any of these risk factors apply to you, you should consult with your doctor early on in your pregnancy to assess your risk and determine which preventative measures to take, if needed.

Your doctor will screen for gestational diabetes between weeks 24 and 28 of your pregnancy with a glucose tolerance test (or earlier if you have one or more of the key risk factors). During this test, you will drink a sweet beverage that contains 50 grams of glucose to raise your blood sugar. An hour later, your blood glucose levels will be checked to see how your body responded to the sugar in the drink.

If your blood sugar is higher than a certain threshold after the one-hour glucose tolerance test, your doctor will order additional testing. The most common follow-up is a three-hour glucose tolerance test. For this test, you will fast for eight hours and have your fasting blood sugar measured. You will then drink a beverage that contains 100 grams of sugar. Afterwards, your blood glucose will be tested one, two, and three hours later.

Your doctor may screen you again for gestational diabetes if your results are normal but you are at high risk.

Potential complications of gestational diabetes

Without prompt treatment, high blood sugar levels in a pregnant woman can affect the health of both her and her baby. For instance, unmanaged gestational diabetes can increase the baby’s blood sugar levels, which in turn increases its weight. A woman carrying an overweight baby may have to deliver it via a C-Section, which involves a longer recovery from childbirth.

Another complication that can potentially affect a pregnant woman as a result of gestational diabetes is preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and damage to the liver, kidneys, or other organs.

Despite these potential health risks, gestational diabetes is highly manageable. Your doctor can advise you on appropriate steps to keep your blood sugar levels in a normal range so that you can experience a healthy pregnancy. However, it’s critical to take action as soon as possible if you receive a diagnosis.

Eating healthy foods and exercising regularly play a big role in managing your blood sugar levels and controlling your gestational diabetes. Your doctor will advise you on specific dietary considerations.

In general, swapping sugary snacks for sources of natural sugar such as fruits and carrots and adding vegetables and whole grains to your diet can help keep you and your baby healthy. Portion control is also important, and it is often recommended to eat three small meals throughout the day along with several snacks.

Staying active is also key. Try to aim for about thirty minutes of moderate activity several days throughout the week. Opt for gentle workouts like swimming, or try a yoga class specifically tailored to pregnant women. Not only will this help manage your blood sugar levels, but it has the added bonus of helping you avoid fatigue and backaches during pregnancy.

Your doctor may advise you to check your blood sugar levels several times throughout the day using a blood glucose meter. The American Diabetes Association suggests the following blood sugar targets for pregnant women:

Two hours after a meal: 120 mg/dl or less

Depending on your specific blood sugar levels, your doctor may advise you to take insulin. If taking insulin, it’s important to pay regular attention to your blood sugar as insulin therapy can lead to hypoglycemia, or dangerously low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia often happens as a result of not eating enough or exercising too much.

Common hypoglycemia symptoms include shakiness, anxiety, feeling lightheaded, hunger, nausea, headaches, and seizures. The only way to confirm that you are experiencing hypoglycemia is to check your blood sugar with a blood glucose meter or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). 

Your doctor can help you develop your blood sugar targets and identify specific numbers to watch for when checking for hypoglycemia. However, if you are experiencing signs of low blood sugar and unable to check blood sugar levels, treat symptoms with high-sugar foods or drinks.

Getting tested for diabetes after pregnancy

For most women with the condition, gestational diabetes typically goes away soon after delivery. However, 5-10% of women with gestational diabetes develop type 2 diabetes after giving birth. And about 50% of the new mothers whose blood sugar levels return to normal after delivery will develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

If you have had gestational diabetes, it’s important to regularly monitor your blood sugar and continue with exercise and a healthy diet after giving birth to avoid health complications. You should also get screened again for diabetes 6 to 12 weeks after giving birth, and then every 1 to 3 years.

We’re here to support your gestational diabetes treatment

Alto is here to help you manage your gestational diabetes, by consolidating medications into streamlined monthly deliveries, setting up automatic refills, and offering free same-day delivery. And if insulin therapy is a part of your treatment plan, our pharmacists are available to walk you through your first doses and discuss any symptoms or side effects.

Learn how we can support your gestational diabetes treatment plan by contacting us via phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app messaging.

The team at Alto Pharmacy answers some of the most common questions about prediabetes and explain what you can do to take preventative measures.

Common Prediabetes Questions Answered

Prediabetes, a serious but common health condition that often precedes a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, affects an estimated 88 million adults in the U.S., or 1 in 3 people. But the majority of the time, they have no idea: 84% of people with prediabetes are unaware of their condition, in large part because they aren’t experiencing any noticeable prediabetes symptoms.

Below, we answer some of the most common questions about the condition and explain what you can do to take preventative measures for prediabetes.

First, let’s start with a quick review of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Both involve complications with the body’s relationship to insulin, a hormone that transforms a simple sugar called glucose into energy. 

In contrast to type 1, which often begins during childhood or adolescence, type 2 develops gradually due to a mixture of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Over time, the body becomes unable to convert glucose into fuel, leading to the higher blood sugar levels found in type 2 diabetes. In the long term, high blood sugar can lead to serious health issues including heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.

Prediabetes is a health condition that can lead to a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Without noticeable symptoms, it is defined primarily by blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but still fall below the official range for a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. If left untreated, prediabetes can lead to serious complications down the road. But it doesn’t have to — prediabetes treatment, including simple lifestyle changes, can keep you from developing type 2 diabetes. 

Since there aren’t any visible prediabetes symptoms, the only way to know if you have it is to get a prediabetes test. If you’re concerned you might have prediabetes, or if you’re at risk for type 2 diabetes, talk to your healthcare provider. They can suggest the best course of action, including ordering an A1C blood test.

In people with prediabetes and diabetes, glucose accumulates and binds to hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to all of your organs and is stored in red blood cells. Higher blood sugar levels correspond with more sugar-coated hemoglobin. The A1C — the main prediabetes test — determines blood sugar levels over a two to three-month period by measuring the percentage of hemoglobin proteins attached to sugar. 

In general, results fall into one of three main levels:

An A1C level below 5.7% is considered normal

An A1C level between 5.7% and 6.4% is considered prediabetes

An A1C level of 6.5% or higher on two separate tests indicates type 2 diabetes

The blood sugar ranges are the same for both children and adults.

If prediabetes progresses into type 2 diabetes, the A1C test may also be used to monitor how you’re managing your blood sugar levels. When you’re living with diabetes, higher A1C percentages correspond to a greater risk for long-term or life-threatening complications. Anyone with a higher A1C should eat healthy foods and exercise frequently. The American Diabetes Association’s recipe list is a great starting point as you plan a prediabetes diet.

If the A1C results are inconsistent, or if you are unable to take it, your doctor may use other tests to diagnose prediabetes:

The random blood sugar test, which consists of a blood sample taken at a random time

The fasting blood sugar test, which consists of a blood sample taken after an overnight fast

The oral glucose tolerance test, which is primarily used during pregnancy

The same risk factors for type 2 diabetes also apply to prediabetes. Because prediabetes often remains undetected, with no clear prediabetes symptoms, it’s important to be proactive and get a blood test if you are at risk. Talk to your doctor about a prediabetes test if you are:

Black, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Asian American, or Pacific Islander — for reasons not yet understood, researchers have found higher rates of type 2 diabetes in these racial and ethnic groups

High blood pressure or take medication for it

Low HDL cholesterol and/or high triglycerides

Been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

As childhood obesity becomes more prevalent, we’re seeing higher rates of both prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in younger groups. Younger or middle-aged people with prediabetes face a greater risk for more serious diabetes-related complications like chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. These groups should be extra vigilant in discussing prediabetes treatment and diet with their doctor given the heightened risk.

Your doctor may order a prediabetes test for children and adolescents if they:

Belong to a racial or ethnic group with higher rates of type 2 diabetes

Blog

How to Have the Healthiest Pregnancy Possible

How Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Affects Fertility

Navigating Pregnancy With Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes: Signs, Causes, and Treatment

Common Prediabetes Questions Answered

Take Action in Honor of National Diabetes Month

What’s the Difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

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