Eat a healthy diet

Your diabetes diet probably already includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. You can eat those same foods while you're preparing for pregnancy. If you're having trouble keeping your blood sugar in your target range or you want to lose weight before pregnancy, consult a registered dietitian. A dietitian can help you customize your meal plan to meet your pre-pregnancy needs.

Your health care provider will also likely recommend taking a daily prenatal vitamin beginning before conception to make sure you get enough vitamins, especially folic acid. Folic acid is important for preventing neural tube birth defects, such as spina bifida.