I wanted to go on the Pill, but my doctor said I shouldn't because I have diabetes. Why is it unsafe for a diabetic to go on the Pill?

--Cortney

Oral contraceptives containing estrogen (the most common types of the pill) increase the levels of glucose—sugar—in the blood and may, therefore, affect insulin requirements. This is not as big a problem today with lower-dose pills, but diabetics and their doctors need to be aware of it. The pill also increases the risk of blood clots in diabetic women, but this increased risk is usually lower in women under age 35 who are otherwise healthy. Diabetics who are over 35, smoke, or already have evidence of vascular disease should definitely not use the pill.

Many other women with diabetes may indeed use the pill. However, their doctors should closely monitor both their blood sugar and blood pressure after they start the pill.

Other excellent contraceptive options for diabetics are DepoProvera, Micronor (the "mini-pill" that does not contain estrogen), an IUD or the old standbys -- condoms or diaphragm. Like all other women, diabetic women should have a complete discussion with their doctors about the risks and benefits of their contraceptive options.