How do insulin requirements change for a Type I diabetic woman during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, a Type I diabetic woman's insulin requirements typically increase due to several physiological changes that occur in the body. As the placenta develops, it produces hormones such as human placental lactogen (hPL), estrogen, and progesterone, which can lead to insulin resistance. This insulin resistance necessitates higher doses of insulin to maintain optimal glucose control.

Additionally, as the pregnancy progresses, the energy demands of the growing fetus increase, further driving the need for greater insulin levels to regulate blood glucose effectively. Therefore, it is expected that a well-managed Type I diabetic woman will need to adjust her insulin regimen to accommodate these changes throughout her pregnancy. This aspect of managing diabetes during pregnancy is crucial to ensure both maternal and fetal health.