Who recognizes the name Lyrehca from the blog Managing the Sweetness Within, chronicling one woman’s efforts to get and stay pregnant while dealing with her lifelong type 1 diabetes? Yes, you guessed it: Lyrehca is coming out of the closet as herself, Cheryl Alkon, now-author of the forthcoming book Balancing Pregnancy With Pre-Existing Diabetes: Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby. Today, Lyrehca (er, Cheryl) shares a brief version of her story, and some don’t-miss tips on diabetes and pregnancy.
A Guest Post by Cheryl Alkon, D-blogger and author
When I first thought about trying to get pregnant, almost five years ago, I did everything I was supposed to do:
- I stepped up visits to my endocrinologist for pre-pregnancy consults
- I worked to get my blood sugar numbers into the tight ranges recommended for pregnancy
- I saw my eye doctor to check my eyes for any longterm damage from diabetes and learned how pregnancy mightaffect them
- I ate better and took prenatal vitamins
I also looked everywhere for books and websites about the subject and I soon met with the maternal-fetal medicine specialist who worked with my endocrinologist at my hospital’s diabetes and pregnancy program.
Despite excellent blood sugars, an overall good bill of health, and extensive knowledge about the topic, I left the specialist’s office in tears.
Why?
The doc, also known as a high-risk obstetrician, spent our appointment telling me all the terrible things that could happen in a pregnancy complicated by diabetes. Yes, tight blood sugars were necessary. Without them, the chances of having a pregnancy colored by complications, both for me and for the unborn baby, were high. The visit was a long list of all the potential things that could go wrong, from the pregnancy itself, to actually giving birth, to the health of my future child: birth defects. Potential miscarriage. Pre-ecclampsia. Vision issues. Kidney complications.
Oy.
And yet, I had a handful of friends, longtime type 1 women like me, who were in our 30′s and had had their own healthy beautiful children. They were not hobbled by illness or problems throughout. They may have had an issue here or there, but they managed things and got through them. And they were able to do it with the tight blood sugar control recommended for women with pre-existing diabetes. The truth is, with average hemoglobin A1C numbers in the 4-7 percent range, women with diabetes are no more likely to have pregnancy complications than are women without diabetes. This was recently proven by research in the journal Diabetes Care that found women diabetes who had A1C numbers 6.9 percent or lower had no more risk of “serious adverse outcome” than the non-diabetics did.
I knew I could try to do it, too.
Soon, I started blogging about my efforts to get and stay pregnant, while managing my type 1 diabetes. I liked the support I received from commenters. Plus, I wanted to connect with others who were pregnant, had given birth, or who were trying to conceive, all with type 1 diabetes.
At the same time, I found that there were no insider’s guides to pregnancy with pre-existing diabetes that were told from an actual woman with diabetes’ perspective. The books sanctioned by official diabetes organizations were written by health care professionals, and not by people with diabetes (as far as I could tell). I found Kathryn Gregorio Palmer’s excellent book, When You’re A Parent With Diabetes, which touches on pregnancy, hadn’t been published yet. And while I found an out-of-print Australian book that interviewed women with type 1, but it was actually pretty dry and clinical.
I began slowly finding other bloggers writing about pregnancy and diabetes. I found the great website DiabeticMommy.com, which is a sprawling bulletin board devoted to all things pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and parenthood, with type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. There are some excellent Yahoo Groups devoted to these issues as well, particularly PositiveDiabeticPregnancies and PregnantPumpers.
Super-tight control for pre-pregnancy, as defined by my docs in my hospital’s diabetes and pregnancy program at the Joslin Diabetes Center, is having blood sugars of about 70-100 mg/dl before meals, about 120-140 mg/dl one hour after meals, and 100-140 mg/dl before bed. Once pregnant, those numbers dip even more, to 60-90 mg/dl before meals, with 120 mg/dl an hour after meals and 100-140 mg/dl before bed.
Huh?
It took a lot of trial and error, along with constant blood sugar testing (sometimes once an hour, up to 15 times a day), but I was able to figure out which foods I could eat that wouldn’t spike me too high after a meal (hello, oatmeal and whole grains, particularly mixed with some low-fat protein; goodbye, white bread). Exercise—even a stroll after a meal or a walk to my local train station—always helped smooth things out. And this was in the days before I had a continuous glucose monitor. I recently started using one and it’s sometimes really surprising to see how some meals show a nice slow and unpronounced rise in numbers after a meal, and how some meals really sent things flying high (oy, French fries, what did I ever do to you?)
Of course, everyone is different, and what works well for me, food-wise, might send another person’s numbers soaring. SO much about diabetes is trial and error, and figuring out what works for you, pre-pregnancy, can make actual pregnancy and its inevitable changes and challenges (hello, hormones and insulin resistance) easier to handle.
I’m pleased that after many long months, I finally got pregnant and knock on wood, had a pretty healthy and normal pregnancy (the details are all on my blog.) Our healthy son, known online as Toddler L, was born two years ago without any problems and thrives today as his chatty and mischievous self.
I’m also facing another kind of birth. After an equally long process, the guide I wished I had back in the day will be published in early 2010. My book, “Balancing Pregnancy with Pre-Existing Diabetes: Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby,” (see above link) will be published by Demos Medical Publishing in early 2010. It gives the insider details of pregnancy and type 1 or type 2 diabetes, using both my own experience and insights from dozens of other women who have been there. I hope it will give future readers the kind of information I was so hungry for and that it will give them the sense that a pregnancy with diabetes doesn’t have to be the horror show some doctors (or the technically accurate but extremely dated film Steel Magnolias) would lead you to believe.
Instead, pregnancy with pre-existing diabetes is a challenge and a boatload of work, no doubt, but it can be a pregnancy where the end result is a fantastically healthy and happy new mother and baby.
)
[...] This post was Twitted by diabetesupdate [...]
I’m one person who is very glad that you’re writing this book now, Cheryl. Pregnancy isn’t on our agenda for at least another year or so, but I’ve pre-ordered the book on Amazon and will be glad to have the chance to get the information you so desperately wanted before we even start trying. Congratulations on getting the book deal – I can’t wait to read!
Congrats on your successful pregnancy and good on you for publishing a book. Our stories are similar and our children are the same age. Some how, I never found your blog. Would have loved a “sister” to share the saga. I don’t have the strength to do it again. Will cherish my daughter.
I don’t understand why people feel that they are only capable of loving children with whom they share DNA. I am a type 1 diabetic and so is my little brother. I don’t think there’s anything so great about my genes — in fact, they are rather rotten, fraught with the auto-immune diseases that run in my family.
I will adopt a child, or children, when the time comes rather than risk my own health, the health of the baby, and take the chance of having a type 1 diabetic kid. I couldn’t live with myself if I were to pass this on. I don’t get the genetic narcissism that drives people to procreate even when there’s evidence that their genes are time bombs. There are plenty of beautiful children (who already exist) in need of loving parents.
I truly agree with Lauren K. My wife, a lifelong type 1 diabetic was determined to get pregnant 25 years ago and did. We had a normal, healthy beautiful boy. However, the damage the pregnancy did to her body was immeasurable. She had her first myocardial infarction (MI) about a year after our son was born. Her kidney disease reared its ugly head a few years later.
Despite being on a pump, doing everything right and being a truly motivated and pretty well controlled (h1c aroung the 6 range) diabetic, she died from kidney and heart disease at age 49.
I think the pregnancy cost her at least 20 years of life and the last 5 were no picnic with dialysis and heart surgeries. She always said that it was worth it. I love my son. However, I miss my wife every single day. I won’t get to grow old with her. It was her choice and we both thought things would go differently, but people need to know the risks.
Your information is inspiring to me and these things did helped to others.
Thanks for sharing it.
Dear People with Diabetes who have decided not to give birth,
Please take a moment to consider the fact that your diabetes may not be the same as everyone else’s diabetes. Consider that your experience with diabetes might be different than mine. Consider that your family’s incidence of and experience with chronic disease is not the same. Consider that perhaps there are those who would not be suicidal if their child developed diabetes.
Then, avoid the name calling and superior tone.
Having and raising children is a personal decision. You make yours, let me make mine (yes, knowing the risks) and have a little confidence that I might be making the right decision about my future and my family.
As an aside, there is a great story in my book about a woman who chose adoption over pregnancy. She considered all the risks to her and decided that she wanted to be a mom, not necessarily give birth. Her decision based on careful thought, and a beautiful one at that.
Kassie
Type 1
Parent of a Type 1 child
Dear Mr. H & Lauren K,
I appreciate you taking the time to share your opinions w/ those wishing to start families & give my sympathies for losing your wife Mr. H- I too have lost family members to type 1 & know what the last 5 yrs are like.
As a women with type 1, pregnancy is a very tough decision. I know that I could love any child as much as my own. So why risk it?
Being diagnosed at age 10, I can attest that there are many psychological impacts most people don’t know about which result from diabetes. I’m sure you both have some level of understanding. But for those that don’t, her is a small insight:
Diagnosed rather young, I was convinced that I was no longer “me”, I was “a diabetic” because in order to have good control, diabetes had to control just about everything!
Of course, what I could and could not eat: At 10, watching my brothers eat pop tarts as I ate toast everyday – made me really hate diabetes.
It controlled thoughts:
Thinking about everything you put in your mouth not just the carbs and sugars and fats it contains – but calculating how it will affect the rest of your day’s decisions, about whether you can take a nap or exercise and how that affects your basal rate, where you will be and where your supplies will be. Creating a plan for PE, how to work diabetes into my soccer games and summer camps w/o Mom around.
It has to control your choices:
Suddenly being in a swimming situation and not having the cap you need to cover your pump, not going somewhere spur of the moment because even your back up supplies won’t do because they’ve expired, or the thousands of times you eat when you don’t want to because your bloodsugar is too low.
Being told your entire life:
“your body is not life everyone else’s” or “you should hurry and get married so you can have kids” or worrying your whole life that the person you fall in love with may not want to be with someone or may not be able to handle marrying someone who poses such a health risk to herself or their child/ren.
Finally, just dealing with the small irritation of having to tell every teacher about it, or every person you know and the 10 million questions that follow and them thinking you have it because you eat too much. Or better yet, being asked, “can you eat that”, “are you allowed to have that?”, “I thought diabetics can’t have that?”, only because people CARE about you.
So for those of us IN CONTROL, the real decision about diabetic pregnancy comes down to, “Will diabetes stop me from living the life I want to have?” Lauren – perhaps your rotten DNA does not contain this maternal drive, but many women have always dreamed of pregnancy, of that maternal connection, of being able to breastfeed and feel the first kick.
I am so happy for your wife Mr. H, that diabetes didn’t stop her from living the life she deserved to have . Don’t forget your wife decided OVER 20 years ago to make that decision also – and with all due respect, in terms of medical technology that is EXTREMELY OUTDATED data. Regardless, she told you herself she wouldn’t have changed anything – so don’t ever regret the decision you made together. Congratulations to you both on healthy children and happy lives, and may you respect the blessings of modern day miracles and medical advancements.
Sunni H
Type 1
Great post! For so many of us with diabetes (whatever kind) all we hear is the bad stuff. Let’s keep in mind that many of the horror stories we hear are from the past – before good home glucose meters, rapid acting insulins, pumps etc etc etc. I find what most people know about D pregnancy is all from “Steel Magnolias” which, while being a true story, is also not much relevant to how diabetic pregnancies go these days. A lot has changed. Yes, we may be more prone to complications, but really, look at those numbers, with good control they are still extremely small. Read the medical journals on the studies done and you will see that the risk of higher complications is minuscule with good control and a well monitored pregnancy.
I am so glad I chose to have my children. I have one perfectly healthy daughter and a son on the way in 13 days. I have had Type 1 for over 15 years. Not once did my excellent team of doctors ever tell me not to do it, or that I would be harming myself or my baby. We just made a plan and I have followed it, and everything has turned out excellent.
To Lauren – where in the world did you get “people feel that they are only capable of loving children with whom they share DNA” – that was not mentioned anywhere in the post. Also, your statement that you “don’t get the genetic narcissism that drives people to procreate even when there’s evidence that their genes are time bombs” is ridiculous on many levels. Genetic narcissism to want to have your own children? Hardly. And I am really sorry for you that you feel your genes are ticking time bombs. I’m sure that even if my daughter or son comes down with Type 1, they will still be happy to be alive, just as I am. Diabetes sucks, sure, but it doesn’t make me wish I were never born.
Ruby, if it’s not genetic narcissism that drives people to have biological children, what is the drive to have them? When there are so many children in the world who need loving homes, why create more children, unless you want to propagate your own genetic lineage?
And yes, it annoys me when people say they want to have their “own” children. Any child that you raise and love becomes yours.
I am 35 years old and have known about my type 1 diabetes for only 1 1/2 years. My husband and I are planning to have children as soon as we can. I understand that as a type 1 that you are considered high risk, but I would also like to believe that as long as you take very good care of yourself and have faith that we have the chance to have perfectly healthy normal babies. I guess anything is possible, but I believe in God and if he wants me to have a child then nothing…no disease will stop that. If I am able to have a child then my biggest dream will have come true and if I die from complications soon after then I will have died a very happy person. It’s very personal decision to have a child and we shouldn’t critisize others for their peronal decisions. Good luck to all of you.
I am sooooooo glad I found this. I too experienced nothing but horror from doctors the moment I became a type I diabetic 10 years ago.
All POV’s expressed here are valid and reflect my thoughts and experiences, both positive and negative.
Cheryl, you rock, for your ability to express yourself and get it out there to make a difference for others. I am so thankful. Thank you.
I have been so frustrated for the past few years with the lack of facts, common sense, and bedside manner when it comes to Diabetes. I have had most trouble with insurance. I have lived under the poverty line for most of my life and many doctors stare in disbelief as I say I have no insurance….or had no insurance.
Then of course many doctors don’t know what they are doing.
Yes, the prenatal specialists just look sat you severely and basically all but says you will miscarry but “good luck”. Overcautious to the point of ridiculousness.
I am pregnant again and this time I don’t feel so alone.
My dream is to have a diabetes wellness center run by diabetics for diabetics. Without all the concerns of lack of healthcare, To be penalized for a preexisting condition? Are you kidding me?
I have a great health team of 4 people, one of which, my endo, is also a type I diabetic, who in fact became so 10 years ago as well.
It took me ten years to find these great people.
I hope that your book and the posts of all these courageous people become the shoulders others can stand on to live the best life possible.
thanks again.
An informative story, useful to everyone who has diabetes and wanted to become pregnancy, particularly important points are:
# stepped up visits to my endocrinologist for pre-pregnancy consults
# worked to get my blood sugar numbers into the tight ranges recommended for pregnancy
# saw my eye doctor to check my eyes for any longterm damage from diabetes and learned how pregnancy mightaffect them
# ate better and took prenatal vitamins
I get the diabetics past 14 yrs i get marriage before 2 yrs i went for pregnancy treatment but the result all negative now i did n’t went for treatment i want special doctors who treating for type 1 diabetics patient for pregnancy.
Nice post. For those who have trouble in getting pregnant, then worry no more because I have found a great and effective ways that will help you conceive in just weeks, just follow the tips on tipstogetpregnant.co.uk
The most important thing to do while trying to get pregnant is to keep the faith and courage. Without both, we will give up quickly and the miracle will never come.
Nice post. For those who have trouble in getting pregnant, then worry no more because I have found a great and effective ways that will help you conceive in just weeks, just follow the tips on tipstogetpregnant.co.uk
In response to Lauren K’s comment, I have Type I Diabetes, have only had it for 2 years, I am 29 now, and can’t wait to have children! I don’t believe that because you have this disease, which I agree is terrible, you should deprive yourself the chance to experience a baby of your own. There is no way to know that you will pass the gene on to your children, I bet your parents had no idea they would create a child with diabetes. I know my parents never thought they would have a child who developed diabetes, especially since it does not run in our family and I am the only one who has the disease. What if my kids are healthy and never develop Type I Diabetes? Adopting does not mean you are going to have a Type I Diabetes-free kid. They could develop it late into their 20′s or 30′s. Then what would you say, you shouldn’t adopt either?
My daughter is 28 years old and has had diabetes for 11 years. She is currently 8 weeks pregnant with her first baby and though unplanned she is delighted. Her control has always been at least good but these past few weeks have been a nightmare as she has struggled to control her sugars. Never would she have chosen not to have children because she has diabetes!
In addition to her and my son, my husband and I have taken on board two girls (now aged 12 and 9) and we have had them for 3 years. Yes you can love children who are not genetically yours, indeed their experiences make your heart reach out to them perhaps even more.
Everybody has the right to do what they think best. We live in hope that soon diabetes will be cured or at least, less intrusive than it is. Science is progressing all the time and for those young children with Diabetes there is much hope.
I am a type 1 diabetic and I have been one for 18 years now since I was 5 years old, I am now 23 and I would really like to have a baby and I’m not talking about anytime soon I would just like to know what steps need to be taken for planning a pregnancy and what things someone like me would need to do to ensure a healthy baby and a healthy self for the pregnancy. Any advice would be great! Thanks.
I am a type 1 diabetic…and I just wanted to say that diabetes does suck, it is hard to control everyday and the first 5 years I had it I had HORRIBLE bloodsugars because I was in denial….but I’ve always wanted to have children, yes children of my own. I wouldn’t mind having a child of my own AND adopting a child…but for those of you who think my genes are any reason for me not to have a child then to each their own I guess. If you feel that way then maybe we should put all of us diabetics on an island and do away with us. Diabetes is a way of life, something we have to deal with. It is not a death sentence.
About what it says David H. really is hurting, please help! I have diabetes for 23 years, I have A1C of 5 but I have kidney failure for a long time I had no control of my sugar, I have a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby but do not want to lose my life, please help with studies of people with type 1 diabetes and kidney failure, need information to make a decision! Lyrehca you have information? thanks
Please David H. tell me what happened to his wife? what about the kidneys?
yenzi@live.com.mx
I have also had diabetes since i was 10 years old. I am just now starting to try to get pregnant. And i feel like no one is taking the risks seriously. My husband just says stuff like, “you’ve always been fine, you will be fine”. and my parents say things like, “I think they have all that medical stuff worked out now so you will be fine”. I am so glad i found this book and this site! maybe now my loved ones will start to understand the anxiety and stress that went into this decision. I have never been in great control, but like my family says, i have always been “fine”. Hioefully when they read this book they will realize that i might not be “fine” and see what they can do to help me through it. (like stop cooking food i can’t eat and then inviting me over -mom!) It’s just good to know i’m not crazy for wanting to take it so seriously!
I was diagnosed with type-1 diabetes when I was 18. I have had many good years and a few bad along the way. I am now 26 and trying to get pregnant. I have faith that I can have a healthy baby if I do all I can by eating right, exercising, and monitoring my sugars. The reality is that I may have a child with complications, I may have a less than ideal pregnancy, however, fear leads to inaction and I choose to lead a life of action. I am also blessed with a husband who supports my actions. If it ends up that I may not be able to bear a child of my own, I have adoption as an option. Both my younger brothers were adopted and we have a very loving family. My mother would tell anyone that they are as much her “own” children I am to her as her only biological daughter.
Liz, do all you can to have a positive pregnancy if it becomes your reality. Communicate often with you husband and your parents. Tell them all of your fears, and tell them you need their support and that you do need them to take this more seriously, this is healthy. I know I don’t have all the answers, but do all you can and leave the rest in hands of the Lord who does have all of the answers. Pray often and he will not leave you with out answers.
Hi Everybody,
I have diabetes from my 13 years, before one year i got married and i am trying to get pregnant. But i cant. my HBA1C is 7.5, i am working women, i cant bring it to 6. I have Hypothyroid too. Every month i get disappoint when i get my mensus. I am under proper diet. Now i am getting stressed bcoz of this. Please ladies help me to get pregnant. Thanks
I am 25, and my wife is 23. She was diagnosed type 1 when we started dating 8 years ago. We’ve been married 5 years, and she is dead set on a baby. We had a miscarriage in Hawaii with twins, and it’s been killing her to keep trying since. I’m military, so my “doc stories” are a little different than most of yours, but complications are definitely risk factors you should be aware of. I’m not afraid of these factors because we’ve had all necessary blood tests, genetic tests and her miscarriage tests diagnosed. She is capable of carrying without a miscarry, so we are going to make it happen. Like others have said here, medical science and tests have come along way. Genetic narcissism? Really? I want a baby to share the bonds of love with my wife! If you think adopting is for you, then good luck… However, nothing compares to knowing your baby is of your DNA! And will continue to pass on your families history.
When I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes im May 09 it was a bit of a blow. It was 6 weeks before my wedding and the plan was to start a family straight away. I was gutted, I thought my chances of having a baby were gone. How wrong was I?! With the help of my Diabetes consultant and nurses I managed to get my HbA1c down to 6.4% by Sept 09 and was told I could start trying for a baby. It took a few months to conceive but we did it. After that it was trips every 2 weeks to the specialist diabetes antenatal clinic for the rest of my pregnancy. I had good control throughout. At times it was terribly hard, my blood sugars would be all over the place but with adjusting my insulin doses I got back on top of it and regained control. My son was born in Sept 10, 4 weeks early but perfectly healthy and beautiful. My experience of a diabetic pregnancy was totally positive, yes it was hard work but it was worth it. I have no worries for when we plan our next child!
Oh and to add a further comment, I also have an older brother who has been type 1 for 10 years and my twin brother has been type 1 for 18 years. If my child develops diabetes at any point in his life I know it is not the end of the world. My brothers and I have good control but have not let it take over our lives!
Well ladies I been a diabetic for 10years ism 23 I have a 4yr and prefabricated now no problem only with my first pregnancy but it wasn’t the baby it was me sugars was so so got induced early for highblood pressure he was 7pound 9ounces 22in healthy baby boy now iam 37weeks with my second son and bless to say he had all test done and very healthy waiting to see will I be induced at 38weeks so he wont be huge but the bigger the better ladies believe me healthy just pray an u will be fine dietetics is hard to manage when pregnant. I know but do yo best take your medicine regularly. Pregnancy is good goodluck!
I have to say it’s interesting reading all the posts from early on until present. I do agree with many that there is nothing wrong with wanting to “give birth”. There is also nothing wrong with adopting…each is a choice that needs to be made individually. I have had diabetes my entire life. I am 35 years old…I’ve had it over 30 years. Some good and some bad times, but I don’t complain about it. It is a disease and yes it can bring the most horrible issues with it, but that is when you basically tell it to “kiss your butt”! If you want to sit back and let it control your life then fine, good luck, but for me and others I know…including my sister and brother and father… we control it and live our lives the way WE WANT TO!
I don’t know if I can have children as I’ve had issues and been told I never will, but that doesn’t mean I that I’ve given up. Things are different nowadays. I grew up when there wasn’t many choices in glucose monitors, or taking multiple shots because you had too. Back then the idea of the pump was basically a figment of someone’s imagination!
I won’t go on and comment specifically about what others have said, but remember this, instead of sulking and having a poor attitude do something about it! Take control and live your life and be greatful you and your love ones where fortunate to be around for as long as they were. There are children with diabetes that will never see 8 yrs old because they’ll kidneys are failing or even worse. But the amazing part is they still LIVE! They don’t get upset and blame others or have a negative attitude towards life, they get up everyday and fight the fight. I’ve been doing it for 30 some years, my sister 27 yrs, my brother 3 yrs and our Dad over 40 yrs. And yes, it absolutely SUCKS, but so what.
My last comment is this…as much as I can’t wait until the announcement is made that a cure has been found…I don’t want it. I want it for the children that may not see they’re next birthday or that are struggling in some other way. I’ve lived with it this long and I am happy with my life. Though I haven’t been here long, I can still say that if it took me today I know I’ve lived a good life and I’ll go down fighting no matter what, but hey that’s just me!
Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories and comments, I’ve found them really comforting. I’ve been diabetic since I was 8 years old, I was diagnosed 2 weeks before my ninth birthday. I’m now 16 and having problems with my kidneys. I have to make the decision now of taking this medication that would sort out the problems with my kidneys but if I do, I won’t be able to carry a child, because if would effect the placenta.
I’m very happy for you all that have been able to have a child, and I can tell from the way you’ve all written that you truly do treasure the fact that you’ve been so blessed with a child.
My only problem is that alot of you have called diabetes a ‘disease’. I’ve never called diabetes a ‘disease’ and will never ever consider it a ‘disease’. It’s never stopped me from doing anything before, and I don’t consider it a terrible thing either. There is much worse things that could be wrong with you, cancer, cystic fibrosis, losing limbs, not being able to use your limbs, etc. When people ask me about how I feel about being diabetic, I always say ‘I’d rather it be me than a 3 year old’, because I’ve had a chance to live without diabetes, I had 8 years without it. I’ve had a chance a life, I have, some children only live to the age of 2, some even younger.
I’m just gratefull to be alive and happy and able to live my life happy and healthy, diabetic or not. Whatever I do decide to do about the medication, I’ll always be happy that I’ve lived a good life. I completely agree with Shannon that I don’t want the cure for diabetes for myself, I want it for the children, because at the end of the day, I’ve had to accept the fact that I am diabetic, and to be honest it doesn’t really bother me, but I do want the cure for the young children having to learn how to inject themselves at the age of 5 and also, for the parents of type 1 diabetic children who have to inject their 6 month old babies with insulin. That’s who I want the cure for.
Again, I would like to say how thankfull I am to everyone for sharing their stories, it’s been great reading them.
Sophie
xxx
I Love your comment!!! I myself have also had diabetes my whole life. I am 33 & was diagnosed when I was 3. I am generally a negative person but can honestly say I have NEVER spoke or thought negative of my diabetes. Having diabetes is all i know & wouldnt change that, its who I am & will always be. Im currently 23 weeks pregnant & so far so good, baby is measuring perfectly & all ultrasounds & echos are perfect. Ultimately god is in control of what your future holds & there is a reason for everything.
Sincerely,
Dawn Ghidelli
[...] of control because of sugar or high caffine.Sara answers:No, there aren't.Powered by Yahoo! AnswersJohn asks…what is the best diet for type 1 diabetics?hi i've gain like 45 lb over what i should be…p>what is the best diet for type 1 diabetics?hi i've gain like 45 lb over what i should be and i [...]
i am 16 years old and have had type 1 diabetes since i was 5 just this year i learned i was pregnant i know what your going to say wow she 16 has diabetes and is pregnant….its not as bad as you think i have had complete controll over my blood sugar levels and A1C last month it was 7.0 witch is not the best but the Dr. said its alright as long as it dont get higher…. i believe that as long as a woman is takeing her insalin right and has good controll over her blood sugar levels and a good A1C that its easy to get pregnant i have a pump witch has helped alot not haveing to take shots and all that good stuff
i recomend getting or trying to get a pump if you are diabetic and are trying to have a child 
Just want to comment on the whole stance on ‘having my own baby vs. Adoption’; if your motive to adopt is out of fear of having a child with a disease you need to remember that the child you adopt may very well develop a disease. Unfortunately we live in a world where disease/illness exists; its a part of life. but I think we would all agree that every person has value regardless of their health or the fact that they may have chronic disease they need to manage.
Your tips are brilliant and it helps to my daughter.
I am now 14 weeks pregnant and have type 1 diabetes. I am lucky enough to have an insulin pump and glucose sensor. Even though we did not plan this pregnancy, I have been 100% healthy since the beginning. I am still on a strict diet, exercise daily and monitor my sugars 24 hours a day. Yes it can be challenging at times but you make your life how you want it. I am determined to take care of myself and this baby…
I know its hard to be positive all of the time but I see so many other people who are way worse than me and it makes me thank God everyday that I am healthy and capable of taking care of myself the way I should.
I have to ask for advise here because I’ve given up on my doctors. I’m 22 and I was diagnosed the day after my 5 th birthday during a paediatric doctors’s strike. When I was diagnosed my Hba1c was 23 and I had started to lose my hair along with all the regular symptoms of type 1 diabetes. I’ve ONCE gotten a Hba1c of a 6,5 and the months following up to that I fell into a hypoglycaemia seizure about 2 times per week, it got so bad that the last 8-10 times my body wouldn’t lose consciousness but rather just switch off everything but my eyesight and primeval motor and eating reflexes. When the doctors appointment came he just smiled and congratulated me for finally being a good patient and finally following his advice of trying to lower my Hba1c (which I’ve had rocking from 8-9,5 since I can remember).
I have never had anny complications after I was diagnosed, I am 180 cm tall, have the right weight acording to the BMI, exercise 4 days a week along with walking my dog every day for about 30 min and mesure my blood glucose levels before every meal.
If I get around 5,5 (~100) I start geting the shakes, loosing myself and going into hypoglycaemia but I don’t start getting elevated ketosis levels until I’m above 19 (~350) and I feel the best when I’m around 11 (~200).
I’ve always realized that me carrying a baby is not a realistic option in any way and I’m fine with that. Let me adopt all those babies the other mothers didn’t want BUT my boyfriend (of 4 years now) just can’t under stand that I don’t want to be pregnant. He’s asked if it’s because I just don’t want children, which I do want, and tried the ‘you’ll change your mind when it actually happens’ clause and the ‘I think you’ll change your mind about it when you get older’ but I don’t think so. He has also been pointing out all these moms with kids and saying ‘if we had a kid do you think it’d have my body-part/colour/shape or yours?’ and’ Wouldn’t it be wonderful if our kid would have so and so thing/talent/personality quirk like me/you?’
How can I make him get it that I don’t wan’t to be pregnant and would be just as happy to have an adopted kid or a substitute mother give birth to our child?
Also, does anyone know how to go about finding a substitute mother, is there like, an agency or something and do you know if diabetic women can apply for adoption papers (I heard somewhere that it was a hassle sometimes because the parents need to pass a test of health or something?)
Thanks for sharing your post. Having diabetes has forced me to learn about diet and nutrition.I admire your dedication & openness. I am more aware of how I am feeling at all times.
Hey guys, i’ve had a whale of a time reading the string of posts, with many mixed emotions in the process.
I am 21 years of age and have had diabetes since i was 1, if i could have the opportunity to live without diabetes, then i would definately take the chance!
I have had numerous rounds of laser surgery to save my sight, one operation and on-going kidney problems, a joy of being a femal with diabetes highers the risk of depression, so really it’s a vicious circle, but if you have the strength and belief, it won’t get the better of you.
I live my life today with my partner and we are looking to try for a child, I had a hypo where an ambulance crew was called out the other night and occurences like that do make me question if i care to be a mother, but i know at the end of the day i do, although i’ve been told that sugars generally run higher throughout pregnancy, is this true and what have most people experienced? And are there any dietary tips pre-conceiving? No matter how much i know about Diabetes, wanting a child and conceiving are a brand new thing to me which i am seemingly not receiving much advice from the medical profession.
The thought of having a diabetic child does also horrify me, but i know that my mum coped having had no experience (I was her first) and having all the years of experience under my belt and the loving support network that i have, it’ll be fine, i can’t say the thought of injecting a toddler fills me with joy but it would be a neccesity to keep my child alive and healthy, and hopefully, if it did ever happen medical science would hopefully have evolved further than it already has!
I have found this forum helpful and enlightening to hear the feelings of people that have been diagnosed as long as myself, aswell as newly diagnosed. I hope for everyone that you are continuing to receive the level of care you feel is acceptable as from personal experience and many years of it, it is extremely difficult to find someone you WANT to listen to and doesn’t talk down to you, I have never understood how you can have a diabetic nurse/doctor that continuously preaches to you and tells you “I know how you feel” and nods sympathetically when actually, they probably don’t.
So, to everyone out there, keep strong, life is worth living, even if sometimes you feel it isn’t and always watch out for yourselves, I feel the majority of the diabetic community are far more understanding individuals, so congratulate yourselves on your on-going every day strength!
Just an update, I posted almost two years ago. I have since become pregnant, had a healthy pregnancy, and given birth to a healthy 8 lb, 14 oz baby boy this last Feb. A couple of things I would tell others to help them out: I wasn’t having much luck getting pregnant after two years of trying, so my husband and I decided to take a break. Literally one month later we were blessed to become pregnant, so I know easier said than done, but try not to stress out about it!!! And also, keep your sugars in a healthy range.
Once I was pregnant I found seeing my endocrinologist every couple months in the beginning (more often at the end of the pregnancy) and e-mailing my blood sugars weekly to correct rates really kept me in tight control. Just watch out for around week six, you most likely will get sky high sugars and it will freak you out to have to possibly take 3 or 4 times the amount of insulin. It may last 1-2 weeks, but then you’ll go back to normal again for a while. I also found my sugars crept up the very most in the morning so breakfast with a lot of carbs was out. No more cold cereal! I stuck with meals like: whole wheat bread toast, eggs, cottage cheese and a small fruit, protein bars, or green smoothies.
Hope this helps! I realize everyone’s journey is different, but it’s nice to feel like someone else out there understands the inconvenience or frustration one can feel with dealing with diabetes. I feel like once you have the baby it’s not over either. Really watch your sugars after pregnancy as well! I chose to breastfeed and have had some major lows. I also woke up on my living room floor with medics around me. That really caused me to doubt my ability to be a mother. Since then I have realized that being a diabetic mother means always being vigilant! Don’t think you’ll do anyone favors by waiting to take care of yourself last, it’s easy to do when your baby is screaming cause he’s hungry. Always put yourself first with checking sugars and a possible snack. Your baby may have to wait a couple of more minutes, but it is better than crashing.
I feel blessed though to have made it this far with my journey. Good luck to all you diabetic moms and moms-to-be!
Congratulations! So pleased for you! How was the Labour itself and did you do it naturally? We’re your sugars monitored during the Labour?
R x
Thank you. I was trying for a natural labor, however the Pitocin they gave me threw me into non-stop contractions, which stressed my baby’s heart. Sadly, I had to end up having a C-section. I wasn’t planning on it, but ultimately it saved my baby so I’m grateful that it was an option.
My sugars also were monitored every hour. I monitored them myself, however the hospital put me on an insulin drip, which I didn’t worry about too much because my sugars stayed around 120 the entire labor so I felt it worked out well.