Final answer:
A woman with diabetes should not rely on oral hypoglycemic agents during pregnancy. Instead, insulin therapy is recommended because it is safe for the fetus. Pregnant women with diabetes need to manage their blood glucose levels closely with healthcare providers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question concerns a woman with diabetes who is considering pregnancy and wishes to know if she can continue taking oral hypoglycemics during pregnancy. Based on current medical understanding, oral hypoglycemics are not the usual treatment for pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes or those who develop gestational diabetes. Instead, insulin therapy is recommended because it does not cross the placenta and therefore is safe for the developing fetus.
Oral hypoglycemic agents, such as those belonging to the sulfonylurea category, are known to stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin and are commonly used in the management of type 2 diabetes. However, during pregnancy, the safety of these medications is a concern, as their effects on the fetus are not well studied, and they may cross the placenta leading to fetal harm. Consequently, insulin is the preferred treatment for managing blood glucose levels during pregnancy, as it helps maintain tighter glucose control without posing the same risks to the fetus.
Women with diabetes who are planning to conceive should work closely with their healthcare provider to manage their blood glucose levels and may need to transition from oral hypoglycemic agents to insulin before conception and throughout the pregnancy.