Diabetes and blood sugar during preconception & pregnancy

In today’s episode, I interview Dr. Rebecca Dekker on diabetes and the role of blood sugar during preconception and pregnancy. She gives a comprehensive overview of diabetes and its impact on fertility and pregnancy while explaining the different types of diabetes and how blood sugar levels can affect conception and pregnancy outcomes. Our conversation dives into the importance of early screening along with practice tips and advice for managing metabolic health through nutrition and lifestyle. 

Episode Highlights: 

• Rebecca’s personal journey of experiencing challenging pregnancies. 
• The different types of diabetes: Type 1 (autoimmune condition affecting insulin production), Type 2 (metabolic issue with insulin resistance), and gestational diabetes.
• How diabetes can impact fertility and overall health.
• Blood sugar screening methods.
• Tips on how to manage blood sugar through nutrition.
• Gestational diabetes, its risk factors, screening process, and potential impacts on mother and baby. 
• The HAPO study and the continuous relationship between blood sugar levels and pregnancy outcomes.
• The importance of postpartum care for those who experienced gestational diabetes.

Guest Bio: 

Rebecca Dekker, a nurse with her PhD, is the founder and CEO of Evidence Based Birth® and the author of “Babies Are Not Pizzas: They’re Born, Not Delivered!” Previously, Dr. Dekker was an Assistant Professor of Nursing at the University of Kentucky. In 2016, she shifted gears to focus full time on the mission of Evidence Based Birth.® Dr. Dekker and Team EBB are committed to creating a world in which all families have access to safe, respectful, evidence based, and empowering care during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. 

EBB does this by boldly making the research evidence on childbirth freely and publicly accessible. Dr. Dekker is also host of the Evidence Based Birth® Podcast, with more than 5.5 million downloads!

Related Links:

• Sign up for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here
• Website: Evidence Based Birth
• Instagram: @ebbirth
• Facebook: Evidence Based Birth
• Book: Babies Are Not Pizzas: They’re Born, Not Delivered
• EBB article on diagnosing gestational diabetes 
• EBB article on induction for gestational diabetes
• American Diabetes Association, “Standards of Diabetes Care in Pregnancy”  

Please Note: The contents of this podcast are for educational and informational purposes only. The information is not to be interpreted as, or mistaken for, clinical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.