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A diabetes expert shares some advice.

I have diabetes and I’m thinking of going on the pill. Will it affect my blood sugar?

For most women with uncomplicated diabetes, the contraceptive they use doesn’t affect their blood sugar control in any significant way. But each woman is different. When you first start using the pill, you might be moody, nauseous or bloated. You may even gain some weight. These symptoms can affect your appetite and how you feel, so check your blood glucose more often and treat any abnormally high or low level as directed by your health care team. You can also use the 15/15 Rule — if your glucose level is low, have 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate (such as ½ cup of juice), wait 15 minutes, then test again. If your level is still low, repeat until it returns to a healthy range.

Remember, to have the healthiest pregnancy, women with diabetes should wait until their blood sugar is well controlled before getting pregnant, so some form of birth control can be a smart choice while you’re working on your glucose levels.  

Published on February 20, 2015.

— Advice by Janis Roszler, MS, RD, LD/N, CDE, FAND. Janis is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, and a marriage and family therapist. Among her many books are Sex and Diabetes and The Secrets of Living and Loving with Diabetes.