Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women with diabetes

Contraception, pregnancy and diabetes

If you are a woman with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, there are some things about contraception, pregnancy and diabetes that you should know.

If you are sexually active, you need to use reliable contraception

If you are thinking about having sex or are already sexually active, this is a good time to talk to your diabetes health care team or GP about pregnancy, contraception and diabetes.

Using reliable contraception is important until the time you are ready to start planning for a baby. There are a number of contraceptive choices available to women with diabetes. Unprotected sexual contact puts you at risk of an unplanned pregnancy or contracting a sexually transmitted infection.

Discuss contraception options with your diabetes health professionals or doctor—you may have to try a few different methods before you find the one that’s right for you.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal problems in women during their reproductive years. PCOS is a leading cause of fertility problems and it can also be a risk factor for pre-diabetes, gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes.

Read more in our:

• fact sheet Polycystic ovary syndrome.

Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society resources

The Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society (ADIPS) website has contraception and pregnancy resources developed for Australian Aboriginal women with diabetes.

• Pre-pregnancy planning
• Diabetes in pregnancy
• Folate in pregnancy
• Polycystic ovary syndrome—Indigenous women with PCOS have a higher risk of developing pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
• Alcohol and pregnancy—Choosing to drink when you are pregnant will harm you and your baby.
• Having a healthy baby—A baby’s weight when they are born is one of the best ways to know how healthy they are.
• Contraception: get the quick facts