Birth control and diabetes: Know your options

Key takeaways:

• Managing diabetes doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the birth control that works best for you.
• Some hormonal methods can impact blood sugar levels, but generally, the full range of contraceptive options may be considered.
• It’s important to discuss your options with a healthcare provider to ensure your chosen method won’t disrupt your diabetes management. 

For people with diabetes, choosing the right birth control is an important part of managing overall health. While the risks of unintended pregnancy are a concern for anyone, they can be especially serious when blood sugar isn’t well-controlled. High glucose levels in early pregnancy can raise the risk of complications for both the pregnant person and the baby, making pregnancy planning and reliable contraception especially critical.

The good news? Most people with diabetes can safely use a variety of birth control methods. Generally, the full range of contraceptive options—including pills, patches, rings, IUDs, and implants—is available to individuals with diabetes. 

That said, some hormonal methods may slightly impact blood sugar levels, so it’s important to consider your specific health needs and goals when selecting a method.

The effect of birth control on diabetes

If you’re managing diabetes—whether Type 1 or Type 2—birth control isn’t off the table. But some methods may be a better fit than others depending on how your blood sugar is controlled and whether you have other health considerations. The key is finding an option that supports both your reproductive goals and your diabetes management.

Can birth control affect blood sugar?

Yes. Hormonal birth control methods, especially combination options like the pill, patch, or ring (which contain both estrogen and progestin), can slightly affect how your body manages blood sugar. Research shows that these methods may lead to:

• Slight increases in blood glucose
• Mild insulin resistance
• Small rises in A1C levels

These changes are generally small and often not a concern for people with well-controlled diabetes. But if your blood sugar has been harder to manage lately, your birth control could be playing a role.

Why low-dose options are usually recommended

Estrogen has the most impact on insulin sensitivity, which is why low-dose combination birth control pills are often recommended for people with diabetes. Lower estrogen levels may help reduce the risk of glucose-related side effects while still offering effective pregnancy prevention.

That said, if you’ve had diabetes for many years or have complications from diabetes like kidney disease, your provider may recommend avoiding estrogen altogether.

Progestin-only and non-hormonal alternatives

For those who need or prefer an estrogen-free option, progestin-only methods like the mini-pill, hormonal IUD, or contraceptive implant tend to have minimal impact on blood sugar. 

Non-hormonal methods like the copper IUD are also a great option—they provide highly effective contraception with no effect on glucose levels at all.

Choosing what’s right for you

The best birth control is the one that fits your body, your health, and your life. If you’re living with diabetes, talking to a healthcare provider can help you navigate the options and find a method that works in sync with your diabetes care plan. 

Nurx makes it easy to connect with a licensed provider who understands the full picture so you can feel confident that your birth control supports your overall health.

Safe birth control options for diabetics

If you’re living with diabetes and looking for birth control, you’ve got options—and it’s absolutely possible to find a method that works well for your lifestyle and your health. The key is understanding how different forms of birth control may interact with blood sugar, and working with a healthcare provider to find what’s safest and most effective for you.

Below are some commonly recommended methods, along with insights into how they may affect blood glucose, insulin needs, or overall health.

The pill

​​When it comes to oral contraception for people with diabetes, healthcare providers often recommend low-dose combination birth control pills—formulations that contain synthetic estrogen and progestin. Brands like Aviane® and Loestrin Fe 1/20® are commonly used, and Nurx offers many pill options that can be tailored to your needs.

Everyone’s body responds a little differently to hormones, so it might take some trial and error to find the pill that works best for you. Occasionally, the hormones in the pill can impact blood glucose levels and may require working with your primary care physician to adjust your insulin or medication.

The ring

The vaginal ring is a flexible, combination hormonal method that’s inserted into the vagina for three weeks, followed by a one-week break before inserting a new one. Since it’s absorbed locally rather than digested, the ring may be a good option for people with diabetes who are concerned about hormone metabolism.

The NuvaRing® and Annovera® are some options that providers sometimes recommend, and they offer steady hormone delivery with low effort.

IUDs

There are two main types of intrauterine devices (IUDs):

• Copper IUDs: Non-hormonal and effective for up to 10 years. These are often preferred for people with diabetes because they don’t affect blood sugar.
• Hormonal IUDs: Release progestin locally. They may cause blood sugar fluctuations, weight gain, acne, or mood changes—factors worth discussing if you’re managing diabetes.

The patch and shot

Both of these are hormonal birth control options:

• The patch works similarly to the pill and contains estrogen, so it carries the same considerations around blood sugar and clotting risk.
• The shot is progestin-only but has been linked to weight gain, which may affect insulin sensitivity. Your provider can help you weigh the pros and cons.

Barrier methods

Non-hormonal and widely accessible barrier methods like condoms, diaphragms, sponges, and cervical caps are all valid options.

Fertility awareness and other non-hormonal options

Methods like fertility awareness (also called the calendar method) involve tracking ovulation to avoid pregnancy. This requires daily monitoring and consistency, and may be more difficult to use effectively.

For those planning to become pregnant eventually, it’s safest to do so when blood sugar is well-managed, as uncontrolled diabetes can raise the risk of complications in pregnancy.

How to choose the right contraceptive if you have diabetes

Choosing the best birth control when you have diabetes isn’t just about preventing pregnancy—it’s also about protecting your long-term health. Because diabetes can affect how your body responds to hormones, certain birth control methods may be better suited than others.

If your blood sugar is well-managed and you don’t have diabetes-related complications, many options—including combination methods like the pill, patch, or ring—are generally safe. But in some cases, lower-dose or estrogen-free methods are a better fit.

Here are a few things to consider when selecting a method:

• Estrogen sensitivity: Estrogen-containing methods may slightly raise blood sugar levels or insulin resistance. If that’s a concern, progestin-only options (like the mini-pill, hormonal IUD, or implant) may be safer.
• Complications: If you have a history of diabetes-related complications (such as kidney disease), non-hormonal options like the copper IUD might be a better choice.
• Ease of use: Long-acting methods like the IUD or implant are low-maintenance and don’t require daily attention—ideal if you’re focused on consistent glucose management.
• Pregnancy plans: If you’re hoping to get pregnant in the near future, short-term or easily reversible methods may make more sense.

Taking charge of your reproductive and metabolic health

Managing diabetes doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the birth control that works best for you. With the right information and support, you can find a contraceptive method that aligns with your health needs, lifestyle, and personal goals. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing diabetes for years, understanding how birth control and blood sugar interact empowers you to make informed, confident choices.

Remember—everyone’s body is different. What works well for one person may not be the best option for another, especially when managing a chronic condition like diabetes. A trusted healthcare provider can help you weigh the benefits and risks, navigate potential side effects, and choose a method that fits both your reproductive and metabolic health priorities.

To learn more about birth control options, visit Nurx’s website and have a conversation with a knowledgeable healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): 

Can birth control affect diabetes?

Yes, some forms of hormonal birth control—especially those containing estrogen—may slightly raise blood sugar levels or increase insulin resistance. This effect is usually mild, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re managing diabetes. 

What birth control is best for diabetics?

Low-dose combination pills, progestin-only methods (like the mini pill or hormonal IUD), and non-hormonal options (like the copper IUD) are often recommended. The best choice depends on your personal health history, how your body responds to hormones, and your reproductive goals. 

Can birth control make you crave sugar?

Some people report changes in appetite or cravings with hormonal birth control, but this varies widely. These changes are usually temporary and often level out within the first few months. If cravings or blood sugar spikes become an issue, it’s a good idea to discuss them with your provider.

Can a woman with diabetes give birth?

Absolutely. Many women with diabetes have healthy pregnancies and births. It does require some additional planning and close monitoring to manage blood sugar levels and reduce risks, but with the right care team and support, a safe and healthy pregnancy is absolutely possible.

Find your birth control method

Finding the right birth control is a personal journey, and we’re here to ensure it aligns with your overall health. We provide access to over 50 birth control options and expert providers who understand the unique considerations of managing diabetes. Our on-demand care means you can message your team anytime with questions, so you can feel confident in your choice. Find the right birth control for you and get started today.

The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely upon this content for medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to a medical professional.

Services not offered in every state. Medications prescribed only if clinically appropriate, based on completion of required consultation. Individual results may vary.

Not all options discussed in the blog are available through Nurx. Please see Nurx.com for details.

NuvaRing® (etonogestrel 0.12mg/ethinyl estradiol 0.015mg vaginal ring), Rx only, is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. This drug may cause side effects, including irregular uterine bleeding, nausea, breast tenderness, headache, and increased or unusual vaginal discharge. If you would like to learn more, see full prescribing information, here. You are encouraged to report negative side effects to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Aviane® (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol tablets, USP), Rx only, is an oral contraceptive used to prevent pregnancy. This drug may cause side effects, including irregular and/or heavy uterine bleeding, headache, breast tenderness, nausea, and dizziness. If you would like to learn more, please see the full prescription information here. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit MedWatch: HTTPS://WWW.FDA.GOV/SAFETY/MEDWATCH /default.htm or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Lo Loestrin Fe® (norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol tablets, ethinyl estradiol tablets and ferrous fumarate tablets), Rx only, is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. This drug may cause side effects, including irregular uterine bleeding, nausea, breast tenderness, and headache. If you would like to learn more, see full prescribing information, here. You are encouraged to report negative side effects to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Annovera® (segesterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol vaginal system, 0.15mg/0.013mg), Rx only, is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. This drug may cause side effects, including headache, nausea/vomiting, yeast infection, and abdominal pain. If you would like to learn more, see full prescribing information, here. You are encouraged to report negative side effects to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.