Lorraine's diabetes was tightly controlled

Lorraine, from Liverpool, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes six years ago at the age of 26.

She had previously shown all the classic symptoms of the disease - tiredness, a constant thirst, and a regular need to visit the toilet.

However, she had blamed the stresses and pressures of modern living.

It wasn't until she had to undergo a medical after applying for a job as a physiotherapist that her condition came to light.

I had no idea there were complications do with pregnancy and diabetes Lorraine Isherwood 'Diabetes risk to pregnancy

Once her condition became apparent, she was given advice about the need to control her blood sugar levels with the hormone insulin.

But nobody thought to advise her that her diabetes could pose problems if she became pregnant.

A new study shows that both forms of diabetes significantly raise the risk of stillbirth and congenital malformations if they are not closely controlled.

Terrified

"I had no idea there were complications do with pregnancy and diabetes," she said.

"I did not find out until I saw a consultant about my pregnancy, and he explained how important it was to have really good control of my blood sugar levels during pregnancy.

"I was terrified as my blood sugar levels had not been as well controlled as they could have been.

"I really regretted not having been given any information about diabetes and pregnancy before I decided to have a child."

Lorraine was seen by either a diabetes consultant or nurse at least once a fortnight throughout her pregnancy.

She had regular scans, blood pressure checks, and blood tests - and her blood sugar levels were tightly controlled throughout.

"I had regular checks, and my insulin was adjusted every time. It was really good," she said.

Emergency Caesarean

At 38 weeks doctors decided to induce her birth to be on the safe side.

However, her daughter, Mia, weighed eight pounds, and was too big for Lorraine to deliver naturally.

"I just could not get the baby out, and she became distressed," Lorraine told the BBC News website.

She ended up having an emergency Caesarean, and thankfully both mother and daughter pulled safely through.

Lorraine went on to have a second child - a son named Alistair - two years ago.

This time her blood sugar levels were tightly controlled from the outset.

"It took away a lot of the worry about the risks," she said.