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National Birth Defects Prevention Month sounds diabetes alert for women

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The Carroll County Health Department is joining the more than 350 members of the National Birth Defects Prevention Network to alert women of childbearing age about the critical link between diabetes and increased risk for birth defects.

January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month and this year the CCHD is focusing on addressing diabetes among women of childbearing age.

"All types of diabetes, not just gestational, have been linked to birth defects when the disease is not carefully controlled," said Melanie Campbell, health commissioner. The prevalence of diabetes in women of childbearing age has doubled in the last decade, affecting about 2.3 percent or 1.3 million nationwide and approximately 2.8 percent of women who have had a recent live-born infant in the state of Ohio.

Although diabetes has been identified as a public-health concern, the general public is unaware of the complications that uncontrolled diabetes can have on both the pregnant woman and her baby.

Studies have demonstrated that the key to a healthy pregnancy for women with diabetes is keeping blood glucose in target range, both before and during pregnancy. Babies born to women with diabetes, especially women with poor diabetes control are at greater risk for birth defects.

"Small steps like visiting a health-care provider before pregnancy and taking a multivitamin every day can make a big difference," said Campbell.

The National Birth Defects Prevention Network is working with health-care providers around the country to encourage diabetes prevention and control for the more than 60 million women in the U.S. of childbearing age.

The CCHD is participating in National Birth Defects Prevention Month with scheduled prenatal and family-planning clinics, distribution of information to women at health fairs, and various scheduled presentations. "We are excited to be part of this national movement. Through our efforts across the country, we reach millions of women and their families with vital prevention information," said Campbell.

Women can take other steps in their everyday lives to maintain good health, such as having regular health-care check ups and learning about family history and genetic risks.

To learn more, call the CCHD at 330-627-4866 or see www.carroll-lhd.org.