Pre-pregnancy clinics for diabetics

A NEW clinic service for pre-pregnant women with diabetes has been launched in the Western Trust as part of a cross border diabetes project funded under the European Union’s INTERREG IVA programme.

The new service is being rolled out at Altnagelvin and the Erne Hospital.

Women attending the clinics will have the opportunity to avail of advice on how to obtain healthy blood sugar levels before pregnancy and learn of the extensive benefits this will have for their future baby.

Western Trust Assistant Director of Emergency Care and Medicine, Diane Brennan said: “I am delighted EU funding has been secured by Co-operation and Working Together to enable us to launch pre-pregnancy clinics for those women who manage diabetes.

“Diabetes can be a challenging condition to manage as an individual and worries can escalate when planning a little one.

“Through these clinics we aim to prepare future mothers for a healthy pregnancy through advising on the best time to get pregnant and measures they can take to lower the risk of diabetes related complications.”

Dr Brid Farrell, Public Health Agency and Chair of the Northern Ireland Paediatric Diabetes Network commented: “I am very encouraged that the introduction of these clinics has been made possible. Women attending the clinics will benefit from the expert input of consultants, dieticians and specialist nurses with extensive information available on the danger of conceiving without monitoring blood sugars.

“We hope to ensure that when women leave the clinic they are confident in their approach to ensure the best possible chance of healthy blood sugars, and ultimately a healthy pregnancy.”

As a result of the EU funding secured by CAWT, pre-pregnancy clinics are being established in the eligible areas of Northern Ireland and the border counties in the Republic of Ireland.

If you would like further information on the advice offered at the Pre-Pregnancy Diabetes clinics or you would like to attend the clinics please call 028 713 45171 to speak to one of the Diabetic Specialist Nurses.