Hi All!
I'm new to this site but I'm already happy to have found somewhere to connect with other diabetics. Just reading other people's stories and the supportive comments have already brightened my day and raised my spirits.
Anyone out there willing to share thier experiences (or hopes) with diabetes and pregnancy? I am a type 1, diagnosed 24 years ago. I married a wonderful non-diabetic man 2 1/2 years ago and now we're planning a pregnancy once we get the green light.
I am frustrated with trying to reach the HbA1c goals - last one was 7.4 and I can't seem to pin down the doctors or nurses about specifically what I can change to get lower. I'm already dealing with frequent lows and I can sympathize with other posts I've read about diabetes burnout.
Just mulling things over with someone who's been there I think will help alot.
Thanks - and Happy New Year to everyone!
Hi again, Thanks fot the
Hi again,
Thanks fot the suggestions - I am fortunate to be already seeing a great diabetes team that is the "pregnancy and diabetes" clinic for northern Alberta. Trying to make more use of the nurses between appointments to help with the fine tuning.
Linda - the pre-pregnancy A1c target they've given me is <7%, but I do think they'd agree with "the lower the better".
I'd be happy to let you know who I'm seeing (I live in Alberta) and I'm sure you could get referral once you've decided to become parents!
I'm interested to hear more about your decision to try a pump too. If you prefer you can email me a lmy723@mail.usask.ca directly!
I have no insurance coverage for a pump and my doc is not convinced that it is necessary to get my A1c to my target It's not impossible financially but especially with the costs of test strips for testing 6-10 times a day it would be tough.
Below 7, FYI on the pump, I
Below 7, FYI on the pump, I don't have insurance and would love a pump as well. I have not been able to find the sites but apperantly Roche and the Sugar foundation both will give free pumps depending on financial constraints.
Schmancy
I totally agree Linda, about
I totally agree Linda, about the Dieabetes team. During my pregnancy and even now my nurse and diatician have been vital resources in keeping my diabetes in line. I live in a smaller town and my nurses have all ways gone above the call of duty to ensure that I am in 'control' of my diabetes and my care. I don't remember what the Hba1c target is but the lower the better. Linda you mentioned 'dawning', what is that I'm not familiar with the term. If it is a side effect of your diabetes I'd talk with your team to see how they feel a pregnancy will effect it. I had been diagnosed with a very small retinopothy but it hadn't changed in close to 9yrs and luckly my pregnancy didn't have any affect on it. I do know that some people find pregnancy hard and it has been known to either bring on complications or speed up existing ones. Just something to keep in mind. You need to weigh the possible pros and cons on your body.
Good Luck to both of you. Motherhood is a wonderful challenge. :)
Hi Schmancy, Aren't the
Hi Schmancy,
Aren't the diabetes nurses just angels? :)
Anyhow, here are a couple of URLs for articles on the "dawn phenomenon".
http://www.diabetic-talk.org/dp.htm
http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/articles/Diabetes_Definitions/Dawn...
http://www.healthcentral.com/diabetes/c/17/1388/taming-dawn
The way I understand it, the dawn phenomenon is something not everyone gets (and isn't exclusive to diabetics), but where your liver is triggered to release some sugar into your system about 3-4 hours before you typically get up in the morning. Just one more of those wacky, wonderful things you find out and get to deal with as a diabetic. Hope the articles are useful.
Thanks for the advice re: potential pregnancy. In terms of the potential for a pregnancy, of course there's a ton of work I'd need to do on my health to prepare for it (if my husband and I decide we want to), but I'm in pretty decent health after 12 years of diabetes, and hopefully with the pump, my overall control and health will improve. We'll just have to see where the future takes us.
Linda
Thanks for the refresher on
Thanks for the refresher on the Dawn Phenomenon, I've experianced that before. Now I am in the phase were I wake up with a 2.3 every morning. Being a diabetic woman sucks! I often feel that it is not just our hormones/periods that go through cycles. I have often noticed cycles in my diabetes too. Granted these cycles are mesured in years rather then months. I know I used to be on a 7yr cycle, after 7yrs my diabetes would totally change. My insulin requirements would either go up or down, my appetite and schedule would change too. Just something I've noticed, I don't know if anyone else feels the same way?
Keep smiling :)
Schmancy
Hi below7, I'm a type 1
Hi below7,
I'm a type 1 myself, diagnosed 12 years ago, and am now considering having a child myself. Part of that process for me is going on an insulin pump, though I'd switch to the pump regardless since I get the dawn phenomenon, and I want to be able to see when I become a senior citizen.
Are you working with a diabetes education centre (DEC)? I find they're usually a much more practical source of help than doctors. Doctors are great, but they work primarily with theories and not necessarily practicalities. I find the DECs are much more likely to tell you like it is, and also they tend to have more time available to work with you on things.
BTW, what is your HbA1c goal for pre-pregnancy? (if you don't mind me asking) My last reading was 7.9 (which is also part of the reason for my desire to go on the pump) and though I haven't yet made the decision to try and have a child, it'd be nice to know what the target is.
Best of luck!!
Thanks for the encouragement
Thanks for the encouragement guys, and congrats on your daughter Schmancy.
Think I was just having a "don't want to be diabetic anymore day when I found the website" - back on the horse now!
Had a doctor's appt yesterday and thought this A1c would be worse but was 7.2. Still moving in the right direction and it gives me a bit more motivation.
Take Care!
Congrats! It is a slow
Congrats! It is a slow progretion but worth it. That way hopefully the changes you are making that are positive become a little more ingrained in your life. Things usually happen for a reason (both good and bad) and timing can be everything. Stay positive! I have lots of those I don't want to be diabetic anymore days too so don't worry I think that is probably normal and common among diabetics.
Stay Positive :)
I have had diabetes for 25
I have had diabetes for 25 years and am the mother of a very healthy six year old daughter. Being the healthiest is the best for you and a healthy pregnancy. One thing I find helpful is to remember that we are not all the same and I know that personally me and my diabetes have never followed 'text book' ideals. When I became pregnant (which was not planned) I was not in the target that they want but was close. With the pregnancy hormones it didn't take me long to get in target. If you have had fairly good and tight control and aren't experiancing any complications keep up the good work. You could also try going back to the 'basics' get in touch with your diabetes educator and go over your 'meal plan' and insulin dosages. It may help! My final advice for the moment, there is no 'perfect' diabetic, we are all human and there are risks in everything!
Hi Below7 welcome to
Hi Below7
welcome to wellocities. Although I'm not the person to share experiences with you, I'm sure you'll find some good support and answers from others in this group. They've helped me and I appreciate their help. Thank you.
Hope you get the same support i did.