Balancing glycemic control while minimizing the risk of severe hypoglycemic events is essential during pregnancy.However hypoglycemia is common particularly during the first trimester when where may be increased insulin sensitivity.This increased sensitivity coupled with tight glucose control places pregnant women with diabetes at increased risk for hypoglycemia.Hypoglycemia unawareness a phenomenon when there is a blunting of the body is release of glucagon and epinephrine and the classic symptoms of hypoglycemia are not recognized is also more common during pregnancy(Hawthorne 2011)
It is essential that pregnant women with diabetes and the people in their lives, recognize the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia and are familiar with appropriate treatment including the role of glucagon. Severe hypoglycemia-defined as an episode requiring the assistance of another person and marked by altered consciousness and possible seizure is