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One in ten American women over the age of 19 has diabetes. If you are one of them, it is essential to have a doctor who understands the potential for a high-risk pregnancy, and guides you on steps to lessen chance of complications for you and your child. Drs Jenkins, Roy, Ramirez or Ikwuagwu share this insight for women in the Katy, TX area.
The pancreas produces insulin. This hormone helps turn glucose from the foods you eat into energy that can be utilized by cells in the body. When the body does not use or make insulin correctly, glucose builds up, elevating blood sugar levels. The body begins to use other hormones to turn fat into energy, releasing toxic chemicals.
Untreated diabetes takes its toll in many ways, including:
Fluctuating hormones affect glucose levels. Diabetes increases risk of preeclampsia and eclampsia, pregnancy-induced hypertension, which can have serious health implications. Diabetic mothers may be more prone to vaginal and bladder infections, as well. Your baby may have a higher birth weight, potentially complicating delivery. You may need to be prepared for an early delivery.
Schedule an appointment with your gynecology and obstetrics doctor BEFORE you become pregnant. The doctor may suggest an educational program or provide materials to help you understand how to control the condition during pregnancy. You will learn how to eat properly, and the doctor will monitor blood sugar carefully, making adjustments to your diabetes medication as needed.
It is possible to have a full-term, healthy pregnancy with diabetes. Call Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine at 855-346-8610 to schedule an appointment with the high-risk pregnancy doctor trusted throughout Katy, TX – Dr. Jenkins.
We offer general care, gynecology, and obstetrics services that span all
stages of a woman's life. Dr. Taryll L.
Jenkins, MD, received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and his Doctorate of
Medicine from Meharry
Medical College School of Medicine, TN. He completed his residency training at the
University of Texas and Hermann Hospital, TX and is Board-certified from the American College of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, with years of research experience.
Having graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in Biological
Chemistry in 2011, Dr. Stephanie
Roy received her Doctor of Medicine Degree in 2015 from the University of Texas Medical Branch. Today,
she is a leading Board-certified physician who works hard to provide you and your family with
high-quality services. In addition to spending time at the practice, Dr. Roy possesses extensive
volunteer experience in the community. She was also a tutor at the Medical Careers Diversity Program
in 2012 and, since then, has spent her free time volunteering for the St. Vincent’s Clinic.
Dr. Tiffany Ikwuagwu is passionate about caring for the diverse communities in Katy, TX. Having completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Houston, her medical degree at the Baylor College of Medicine, and her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the McGovern Medical School, she worked as principal investigator on a research project with Dr. Nana Ankumah at UT Houston. A member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dr. Ikwuagwu has served in several leadership roles and has made many contributions to the community.
Yara Ramirez, MD, earned her
Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University and her doctorate in medicine from the University
of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, where she also completed her residency. She won the
Resident Teaching Award from UTMB’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for two consecutive
years.
Dr. Ramirez has researched extensively on many obstetrics-related topics. She has been a Junior
Fellow Representative for the UTMB Residency Program and a Medical Student Education Committee
Member at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has volunteered for various local
and foreign community programs. Her fluency in Spanish and French is an asset to her organization.
Nadia Alexander is a Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center. With seven years of experience in women’s health and a focus on obstetrics and ambulatory gynecology (vaginitis, UTI, and vaginal bleeding), she provides quality, compassionate care to patients in various stages of reproductive life. She is fluent in English and Spanish and is the lead contact for our Telehealth service.