How does pregnancy affect insulin requirements?

How does pregnancy affect insulin requirements?

• A. Placental hormones cause insulin resistance; many patients require higher insulin doses; avoid episodes of hypoglycemia due to fetal risk; monitor closely
• B. Pregnancy lowers insulin needs due to increased insulin sensitivity
• C. Insulin requirements stay the same during pregnancy
• D. Hydration status is unrelated to insulin during pregnancy

Answer: (A)

During pregnancy, placental hormones rise and create insulin resistance in the mother. This means tissues respond less to insulin, so more insulin is needed to keep blood glucose in the target range. As pregnancy progresses, insulin requirements typically increase, and many patients need higher doses or adjustments to their regimen. Careful glucose monitoring is essential to prevent hyperglycemia, which can harm the fetus, and to avoid maternal hypoglycemia that can also pose fetal risk. Hydration status isn’t the main factor driving insulin needs, and insulin requirements do not stay the same or decrease during pregnancy.

During pregnancy, placental hormones rise and create insulin resistance in the mother. This means tissues respond less to insulin, so more insulin is needed to keep blood glucose in the target range. As pregnancy progresses, insulin requirements typically increase, and many patients need higher doses or adjustments to their regimen. Careful glucose monitoring is essential to prevent hyperglycemia, which can harm the fetus, and to avoid maternal hypoglycemia that can also pose fetal risk. Hydration status isn’t the main factor driving insulin needs, and insulin requirements do not stay the same or decrease during pregnancy.