Diabetes and Pregnancy

Forum Post: Re: What were your Symptoms?

Adriane — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:18:00 GMT

LOL OK forget the question about TTC I googled it! LOL!

Forum Post: Re: Any day now...

Brigid001 — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:17:00 GMT

Anna,

Yes, I think every diabetic goes through the "why me" phase from time to time. I also have been diabetic since I was little (for over 22 years). I recently found out that I'm pregnant and I feel a bit overwhelmed at times. I feel like people don't understand how I'm REALLY high risk just because I'm a diabetic. I feel like I have to keep my blood sugars perfect or I'm going to hurt my baby.

The biggest thing that helps me is knowing that it's all in God's hands. I just have to have faith that God is going to watch out for my baby. I'm going to keep stressing and doing the best I can but there's only so much we have control over.

Forum Post: Re: It's a BOY!!!

Keara — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 03:07:00 GMT

Yay!!! Congratulations!

Forum Post: Worried all the time!

Keara — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 01:29:00 GMT

So I am expecting and 7 weeks along. I am very lucky that we planned this pregnancy, and my A1c was a 5.9 prior to conception. but I need some serious help. I have a Medtronic insulin pump and CGM. I am feeling like I can eat a whole lot with out my blood sugar spiking. Booo!!! I am curious what to eat??? I try to fit all kinds of protien and fat into my means to help but somehow I still end up spiking. I am trying to be excited about my pregnancy but I am finding my self more worried about what I can eat and what my blood sugar is doing.. I need help please! Thanks!

Forum Post: Getting induced Sunday at 39 +5!

KatherineW — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:50:00 GMT

So I'm 39 weeks, 3 days, getting induced day after tomorrow on Sunday! I'm very excited to see my little baby!

Originally I was going to push for at least going to 40 weeks. She's doing great and my A1C's have been good (last two: 6.2 and 5.9) but I'm afraid to keep her in there any longer. The OB seems to think it pretty important for her to come out. I'm doing all the natural-induction methods I can until then!

She's measuring 7 lbs. 7 oz. according to yesterday's ultrasound.

I'll let y'all know what happens once she's born!

Forum Post: Re: Trimester #2--lows?

jennagrant — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:41:00 GMT

Thanks for your kind words. I've learned so much and been encouraged by others on this site too. It's cool that we can help each other out.

Before too long you'll be posting a picture of your new baby! You'll love being a mom. It's a lot of work, but such a blessing. Take care. -Jenna

Forum Post: Re: Two Pink Lines!!!! Now what?

Kelly — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:11:00 GMT

I am 18 weeks along and I work full time as a dental hygienist. It is pretty stressful with time constraints and, occassionally, difficult people to work with. So far, so good =)

Forum Post: Re: high blood sugar

rishmack — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 04:20:00 GMT

I agree with KatherineW. I have had many readings in the 200s during my pregnancy (now 33 weeks). I even had one or two in the 300s (bad carb counting to blame for the most part). My OBs and endo said the concern is constantly elevated blood sugars that you can't get to come down. One reading of 220 is not an emergency, and as KatherineW said, if you are 7 months along and that's the first time you have hit 220, you are doing a really amazing job!! I am averaging 126 at this point, but earlier in pregnancy my averages were 140s. My last A1C was 6.2. I think my next one will be lower. My perinatologist considers my diabetes "well controlled" and so far I have had no complications. It is really difficult having type 1 diabetes and keeping your sugars in range, but it sounds like you have been doing an excellent job. Did your glucose end up coming down? One other thing you can check for are ketones, which are concerning if present in large amounts.

Forum Post: Re: Worried about late-night lows

KatherineW — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 22:04:00 GMT

Thanks, ladies. I talked to the midwife and she said insulin needs can start decreasing even before delivery without there being a problem. And I think rishmack is right- insulin doesn't cross the placenta. I lowered by NPH about 25% last night which seemed to do the trick.

I've continued to feel the baby roll around in there (although she doesn't have much room to kick anymore!) so that's always reassuring. I haven't gotten an ultrasound since 35 weeks, but I'm thinking of requesting another one at my next appt. because they want to induce me on Friday, but I'd like to go another week if she's doing okay.

I'm scheduled to get once weekly NSTs but I'd like to go in Monday for an extra one- I don't think anyone will care and the insurance should cover it, right? Just to help reassure me, or maybe to potentially find a problem.

Forum Post: Re: Non-stress tests?

rishmack — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:37:00 GMT

My diabetes is the only reason and NST was suggested. I've had no diabetes complications pre-pregnancy or during. What KatherineW said about the purpose of the NST is, is exactly what my perinatologist said, and he's the one who suggested starting at 34 weeks. It is to help pick up any fetal distress early on, which diabetics are at higher risk for if the placenta starts to fail. NSTs are routinely used in other "high risk" pregnancies: high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction... My OBs have been adamant about starting 28-32 weeks and have just told me that this is the "text book" answer as to when to start NSTs for diabetics. Anyways, I had my first on Monday at 32 weeks and everything was great. I'm going to do one more next week and then start 2x per week at 34 weeks, so my OBs and peri are all happy!

Forum Post: Re: This is the year!

RachelEmily25 — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:28:00 GMT

It's the most exciting thing ever! Good luck!

Forum Post: Re: Omnipod users

RachelEmily25 — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:24:00 GMT

I normally wear them on my upper arm and on my stomach, but during pregnancy I only did my upper arms. I would sometimes wear them on the back of my thigh, but I never liked it there.

Forum Post: Re: High blood pressure and pregnancy?

jennagrant — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:56:00 GMT

rishmack's information is right on.

It's important for diabetic moms to have a great OB-GYN. You need to meet with the same person every time. You may have better luck getting a male OB to handle your pregnancy, since they're less popular than female doctors. I had a great one who was quick to contact colleagues at other hospitals for advice when I had questions. A pump makes handling blood sugars easier, but it's possible to do okay with multiple injections.

Forum Post: Re: Green Tea and Aspartame

rishmack — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:38:00 GMT

From what I gathered from a science based source, based on experimental animal studies, the use of aspartame during pregnancy is not expected to increase the risk of congenital anomalies. One study in rats showed an increased incidence of cancer in rats who were exposed to very high doses of aspartame both prenatally and after birth. Theoretical concerns have been raised about the use of aspartame by pregnant women and young children. Phenylalanine is one part of what makes up aspartame, and there is a genetic disorder in which the body cannot process and eliminate phenylalanine properly. For these women, there is an increased risk for adverse effects on their offspring.

I read the same thing as you at babycenter regarding green tea. I don't think it should be a problem in moderation. I think the concern with consuming herbal teas during pregnancy is the lack of data available on most herbs and their effects on a developing fetus. I don't think regular green tea is considered herbal.

I am 32 weeks pregnant and have consumed some green tea and some drinks with aspartame. Everything seems to be going well so far. I agree with the approach cutting down (which I think especially for diet products is a good thing in general, even if you are not pregnant)... however having these products once in a while is not going to significantly impact my developing baby. I probably have diet drinks once or twice a week at most, sometimes go a week or two without any. I'm not a huge tea person, so have only had green tea on occasion.

Good luck!!

Forum Post: Re: Success!

Michelle — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:07:00 GMT

Thanks everyone! I hope you all have as uncomplicated births. Good luck! Let us know!

Forum Post: RE: Scared

Hayley — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:41:00 GMT

Pumps are definitely more convenient. However, studies have demonstrated no improvement in glycemic control for pump users as compared to those on injections. Though many of us can provide anecdotes, its not applicable to everyone.

A pump is a large expense and once you dig in, you're in with that company for 4 years or duration of warranty.

While Omni-Pod is the first "patch" (or tubeless) pump, there are several more on the horizon that are sleeker and may be more appealing. It would be a pity to enter into a contract deal and then have to wait for 4 years for the subsequent upgrade.

There are two patch pumps in the works of FDA approval about which I'm excited. First, the Solo Micro Pump (http://www.solo4you.com) is sleeker but seems very similar to the Omnipod.

Even more exciting is the Jewel (http://www.jewelpump.com). What is so innovative about this (aside from the sleek and colorful infusion cartridges) is that rather than the wireless controller, you can control it with your PDA or smart phone. I think this one will be the big deal given that carrying around the wireless remote AND a phone seems like too much when you can carry one.

Until then, Tandem diabetes has a sleek new tubed pump that has garnered FDA-approval.

These are just a few things to think about.

As I mentioned, pumps offer convenience but don't necessarily confer much glycemic advantage. However, continuous glucose monitoring is a different story and has been demonstrated to improve HbA1c in patients on both insulin pumps and injection therapy. Personally, I believe that all people with type 1 diabetes should be on a CGM. The information is invaluable and can reduce the amount of time spent hyperglycemic (high) as well as alert you prior to becoming hypoglycemic (low).

Lots of info but worth thinking about!

Forum Post: Re: Insulin Resistance

Hayley — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 06:05:00 GMT

Insulin resistant typically starts to ramp up in the 3rd trimester. Oh the joy. I agree with Jenna that increasing exercise is a great idea at this stage. Typically, resistance is highest in the morning and so a pre-breakfast routine can be of great use. This spike in resistance is due to the increase in daily counter-regulatory hormone fluctuations (ie. insulin resistant hormones) which frequently start to rise at around 3-4 AM and peak at approximately 7-8 AM.

Another helpful approach is implementing lag times. During my 2nd pregnancy, I used a 1-1.5 hour lag time before transitioning to an alternative (and not FDA-approved approach). This is not particularly convenient but as your insulin doses increase, so does the time for absorption.

Your physician should be titrating your basal rates, insulin:carb ratios and correction factor every other week during the 3rd trimester to accommodate increasing insulin requirements. Its critical that someone who knows type 1 diabetes is managing this.

Forum Post: Re: A1C's before pregnant

MamaEngland — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 02:52:00 GMT

I was diagnosed at 21... turned 22 in the hospital. Nearly everyone I know that is a type 1 was diagnosed in their adulthood rather than having it from a very early age.

Forum Post: Re: Issues with pump placement?

Rebecca — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 03:48:00 GMT

I've used pretty much everywhere. . . Lately I just started using my love handles, but you have to be careful to make sure your waitband won't catch on it or push on it too hard. I also use my arms and legs. My legs were my favorite spot for a long time, but they have a little bit too much scar tissue now =( I saw someone else on here used her breasts, but i've heard you're not supposed to, and I've never tried it, but you could ask your CDE or Dr. if you're interested.

Forum Post: Re: 16 weeks!

MamaEngland — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:56:00 GMT

22 weeks!