Breastfeeding

Blood glucose levels and breastfeeding

If you are taking insulin, you may need less in the first few days after delivery, but you will still need to do frequent blood glucose monitoring so you can adjust your insulin doses. 

It is usually safest to keep blood glucose levels in the 5–10mmol/L range at this stage, not lower, to reduce the risk of hypos. 

Keep in mind, it can be really hard to get blood glucose levels within the recommended range while breastfeeding, so your medication or insulin doses may need to be reviewed and adjusted. 

Blood glucose levels may fall rapidly during and following breastfeeding, just like with any other physical activity.  If you are taking insulin, be prepared to treat hypos while you are breastfeeding.  Blood glucose levels can fall by 3-5mmol/L during a breastfeed, so it is important to have hypo treatment within reach. 

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The information on this website is of a general nature only and should not be substituted for medical advice or used to alter medical therapy.  It does not replace consultations with qualified healthcare professionals to meet your individual medical needs.