Babies Born To Diabetics More Likely To Develop Birth Defects

Filed in archive Research on August 17, 2006

We seem to have a recurring theme this week: gestational diabetes. The news ranges from alarming to helpful, but it is a positive sign to see this condition receive so much attention and research.

This recent study will likely invoke fear in many pregnant women, but perhaps it is a fear that can be put to good use. In short, babies born to mothers with diabetes (both Type 1 and Type 2, as well as gestational) are more likely to have birth defects.

Perhaps a Type 1 diabetic cannot control this possibility, though they may improve the chances of giving birth to a healthy child by increased vigilance in health monitoring and pre-natal checkups. Perhaps some Type 2 diabetics, a condition often brought about by poor dietary and exercise choices, will be motivated to improve not only their health, but that of their future children.

What do you think: are studies like these helpful, or a fear tactic?