Does Living With Diabetes Increase Chances Of Preeclampsia?
Are women with type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes at higher risk for preeclampsia?
Truth?
As women who live with type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes, we often hear that we have a higher chance of developing preeclampsia in pregnancy. Many of the Sugar Mommas ask the question, “is this true?” The answer is yes. Women who live with any form of diabetes in pregnancy do indeed have an increased risk of developing preeclampsia.
The facts
The chances of preeclampsia in women without diabetes is 2-7% compared to 15-20% of pregnancies in women with type 1 diabetes, and 10-14% of pregnancies in women with type 2 diabetes.
It is hypothesized that the reason for a higher incidence of pre-eclampsia in women with diabetes is due to an imbalance between anti- and pro-angiogenic factors (factors promoting vessel growth), insulin resistance of pregnancy, and antioxidant proteins. Additional larger studies are still needed to identify the causes.
What are the risk factors for T1, T2, and GD?
Being pregnant with 1st child
Advanced maternal age
Prior history of preeclampsia and/or hypertension (elevated blood pressure)
Longer duration of diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes
Positive microalbumin in the urine
Nephropathy (kidney complication of diabetes)
Retinopathy (eye complication of diabetes)
In women with gestational diabetes, being obese pre-pregnancy significantly increases the risk of pre-eclampsia.
Your doctor will monitor you throughout your pregnancy for signs of preeclampsia. Look for an upcoming post about signs and symptoms of preeclampsia soon, and if you’re ever in doubt about if you have it, make sure to contact your individual provider immediately.
