Details about all of these options are offered in our Sexual Health Centre. Here is some information specific to women with diabetes. The birth control pill is the most popular form of birth control for women, including the woman with diabetes. In the last 20-30 years, the doses have decreased greatly, thereby decreasing the risk for these problems. However, the risk of heart disease and strokes remains high for women who also smoke.
Some women find the lower dose combination pill can affect their blood glucose.
Regular blood glucose monitoring and adjustment of diabetes medication can help resolve blood glucose fluctuations. If the results are elevated, an alternative method of birth control may be necessary. Some doctors may suggest progestin-only pills to avoid the blood glucose fluctuations that may occur with combination pills. Any concerns should be discussed with your doctor. In the past, there was concern that IUDs might pose an increased risk for pelvic infection or trauma to the uterine wall and that women with diabetes might be particularly vulnerable to these infections.