Novolin R and Pregnancy

Using Novolin R During Pregnancy: An Overview

Novolin^® R (regular insulin) is a medication used to treat diabetes. It is a short-acting form of insulin, used to control the rise in blood sugar that occurs after meals. Novolin R is considered safe for treating diabetes in pregnant women.

 

Novolin R and Pregnancy Category B

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a pregnancy category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category B is given to medicines that have not been adequately studied in pregnant humans, but do not appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies.

 

Although it was originally thought that insulin molecules are too large to cross the placenta, it is now known that some insulins, in some circumstances, may cross the placenta. In general, most healthcare providers consider Novolin R safe for use during pregnancy. It should be noted that Novolin R is identical to the insulin that is produced naturally in the human body. As long as blood sugar levels are appropriately controlled, Novolin R is considered to be quite safe for pregnant women.

 

It is very important for pregnant women with diabetes (including gestational diabetes) to control their blood sugar, and Novolin R can be useful to help keep blood sugar levels under control. Both high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can be dangerous to the fetus during pregnancy. Therefore, very good blood sugar control is essential for a healthy pregnancy. Make sure to seek early prenatal care; as a pregnant woman with diabetes, you will likely require more care than the average pregnant woman.