Diabetes Education for Pregnant Women

Education for pregnant women with gestational, Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.

The Diabetes Education for Pregnant Women Program at Sharp HealthCare is an outpatient education program designed especially for pregnant women with gestational, Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. The program provides pregnant women with diabetes the skills needed to successfully self-manage diabetes for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

The program is taught by a registered nurse and dietitian. The first meeting is held in a group setting with subsequent follow-up meetings held on a one-on-one basis. Both the registered nurse and dietitian will work closely with each participant’s OB/GYN or family physician to provide care for the duration of the pregnancy. 

Participants continue attending the follow-up meetings as frequently as needed — this is determined by the instructor based on the participant’s condition — until the baby is delivered. These classes are held at various times during the day and are are also offered in Spanish at certain facilities throughout San Diego.

Topics covered in the program include:

  • Blood glucose monitoring
  • Diabetes management
  • Maintaining a healthy weight and exercise
  • Medications
  • Nutrition and meal planning
  • Overview of diabetes in pregnancy
  • Possible risks and complications for baby and mother
  • Ways to ease pregnancy discomforts

The Diabetes Education for Pregnant Women Program is available at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, Sharp Grossmont Hospital, Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion and Sharp facilities throughout San Diego County via Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group.

Find a San Diego Endocrinologist
To learn more about Sharp's Diabetes Education for Pregnant Women Program or to find a Sharp-affiliated doctor, search for a San Diego endocrinologist or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.

For More Diabetes Information
To find general information about diabetes, visit Diabetes Care in Adult Health or read the Diabetes News archive.