Information for the public
Contraception and planning pregnancy
Contraception
If you have diabetes, your care team should give you information from puberty onwards about why it is important for you to avoid an unplanned pregnancy. They should talk with you and help you choose the best contraception for you. You can use the oral contraceptive pill if you have diabetes, unless you have other conditions that make it unsuitable for you.
Why planning pregnancy is important
Although most women with diabetes have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies, you and your baby have an increased chance of health problems if you have diabetes. The risk is higher the longer you have had diabetes. But you can lower the risk of problems – although not remove it completely – by having good blood glucose control before and during pregnancy. Your care team can help you with this, including reviewing your blood glucose targets and any treatments you are having.