Great advice!
Thank you, Sam!
My husband requested a simplified version of the diabetes-during-pregnancy guidelines so that he can help me in my goals. Apparently I get very scientific and theoretical, and he struggles to follow what is important vs. what is interesting (because to me it’s all interesting
).
I put this together in Canva, so now I can print it out and put it on our fridge. Let me know if it’s missing anything obvious!
Your graphic is excellent education for family. I’ve experienced many close family members over the years who stumble over basic diabetes ideas. I think that our exposure to these ideas 24/7 get diabetes tactics firmly imprinted into our personalities. Your chart is a smart and kind way to enhance everyone’s success. Good luck!
You are doing amazing Rachel!
I am another aging T1D who had her child a long time ago. Did In-Vitro fertilization also and had an extraordinary care team for both things.
During my 3 year prep, mid way through the 2nd year my favourite nurse and I were chatting while she did the medical stuff. I mentioned I was going to an all day family bash that weekend. She excused herself and came back with my endo (who only dealt with pregnancy) and he starts chatting. You know, even though we told you no alcohol at the beginning it would be totally fine for you to have a couple of glasses of wine at the bbq. He leaves and she says, they forget they have to modify what they say to you because you do exactly what they say.
Please remember that you are of course the most important person in the equation but your team has your back too.
I’m officially almost 7 weeks pregnant.
So far so good!
Some fatigue and some nausea, but no vomiting. My stomach feels like it’s going to turn itself inside out if I don’t eat every couple hours. My endo doesn’t seem concerned enough to consider Gvoke as an emergency tool to have on hand, so I’ll focus on anti-nausea measures. First pregnancy endo appointment later this week.
Lows in the afternoon and overnight have been my biggest issue. I’m up to 8% low TIR, which is not ideal. Even though I’m doing the same things as before I got pregnant, when I had 4-5% low TIR.
I’m really, really hoping I don’t have any uninvited beta cells crashing the party. Apparently weeks 6-10 are where some beta cell function can be temporarily restored… No thank you, I’d like to know exactly how much insulin is in me.
Continuing to monitor my blood pressure at home, since as a T1D and person on BP meds, I’m at higher risk for preeclampsia.
One of the most challenging parts of all of this is just notifying all the doctors.
It took days of calling or emailing all my doctors, and making sure to say “I’ve never been pregnant, so help me know what comes next…”
Thank goodness the lady at the MFM’s office really heard “this is my first time.” There were lots of appointment decisions that I didn’t know enough to decide on without her additional explanations. And apparently saying “I would like to establish pregnancy care at your office” are the
magic words
. I will be able to have all my care at the MFM’s office and my endo’s office (about a mile apart), apparently because of those magic words (otherwise it sounds like people have their obgyn, MFM, and endo – many more miles for me). My MFM is much more T1D knowledgeable than my obgyn, so I’m happy to just visit the MFM. I’d highly recommend a pre-conception appointment with an MFM’s office to any future T1D parents reading this!
@RachelMaraii Congrats!
Hope all goes well! I’m a guy, so no experience based recs. That said, ref the lows, seems you’re ok depending on how low you go. Something you may want to discuss with your docs is whether raising your target BG a bit (not much) would be helpful in reducing them if they’re concerning. Other than that, others with experience are much more knowledgeable of the condition. Again, Congrats!!
@RachelMaraii what wonderful news! Biggest congratulations! You have been preparing in all the right ways and are so well set for what comes ahead in pregnancy. I don’t remember all of the nuances (and was MDI + on finger sticks solely) from my two (joyful, resulting in two wonderful daughters) pregnancies, but I will agree that managing the process with MFM + endo (and not having OB part of the picture) will be helpful. My biggest piece of advice is to give yourself grace. It’s impossible to be perfect, so please give yourself credit for approaching your health in all the right ways and know that pregnancy with type 1 is really hard! Please keep us posted on how everything is going and take it easy! xoxo - Jessica
PS - it doesn’t make sense to me that your endo isn’t focused on you having emergency recovery options from lows. I have at least one Gvoke that I can send to you (hopefully not expired) – please let me know if I can do that.
Congratulations on your wonderful news Rachel.
My pregnancy was also eons ago (before the pump) and for the same problem re overnight hypoglycemia the approach then was get up at 2 or 3 a.m. and have half a cup of premium ice cream (ingredients: cream, strawberries) for 2 or 3 months.
Your pregnancy endo appt should be very detailed with parameters, but then I’m assuming it is a different doctor. If so, talk to them about the Gvoke. Some magic words might be that my partner is stressed about this and it would really help them.
Best of luck and try to remember to give yourself a break.
Thanks, everyone! Thank you @JessicaD and @Freckles on the Gvoke recommendations as well. I’d previously discussed it with the diabetes educators and they were on board, so at my endo appointment tomorrow I’ll mention that I got the Gvoke information from her office, even if not from her directly. I’ll probably use those magic words if she still isn’t sure. Here’s hoping, just want to stay safe!
“I will give myself grace” has actually since been added to my Diabetes Mission Statement. Perfection simply isn’t human! ![]()
@RachelMaraii Congratulations! I don’t have kids, so no useful info from me, but I’m so excited for you! You got this!
@RachelMaraii My first Endo was describing Baqsimi use to me, when she stopped herself and said, “I’m talking to the wrong person really…” and turned to my wife and said, “While its important he understands and though we hope it isn’t needed, this is would most likely be used by you.” She proceeded to explain its use. Whether you’ve settle on Gvoke, Baqsimi, or other glucagon to haveI available for the just in case scenario, its important both you and those around you/close to you know how to use it/them. Hopefully you never need them (unless microdosing), but better to be aware and safety conscious!
