Pregnancy is an exciting, but challenging, 9 months. Being a diabetic brings an entire new set of challenges into the picture! If a type 1 diabetic's blood sugars aren't in good control prior to conception and throughout the pregnancy (especially the first trimester), the baby can suffer. Serious complications, birth defects, and even miscarriage can occur if a diabetic mom isn't in super tight control. However, if the mom is educated and committed to being in good control, she can have a healthy and successful pregnancy.
At first, I was a little terrified about becoming pregnant. I worried that I wouldn't be able to keep my blood sugars in good enough control, and that I would harm our baby. To be honest, there are still days where I worry - A LOT. But there are a few tools and tips I have found that really help me overcome some of the challenges and fears! Maybe these can help another diabetic mom out there...
Must Have Item 1: Continuous Glucose Monitor
I cannot say enough good things about wearing a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM). It tests my blood sugar every few minutes and displays the reading on it's little computer screen. This shows me when my blood sugar is starting to drop or rise before it actually does, allowing me to correct the problem before it even occurs. My doctor can upload the data from the device to see trends or patterns.
I switched over from the Medtronic CGM to the Dexcom GCM and am SO happy with the Dexcom. It is much more accurate, way more comfortable to wear, and I only have to change it every 7 days (as opposed to every 3 days). Plus how cute is it in this new pink color?!
When you are trying to stay in this tight of control, it is inevitable that lows will happen. My doctor says that lows do NOT harm the baby, so as long as I am not passing out from them, it's ok to run a bit on the low side. I find it necessary to carry several different types of snacks in the 15 carb range for when low blood sugars happen. At work it is easy to have juice boxes close by, but when I am on the go that is the last thing I want weighing down my purse. So I found a few other things to treat lows that are pretty tasty, light weight, and easy!
Stretch Island fruit snacks are really yummy, quick to eat, sold at the grocery store, AND a full serving of fruit. :)
Squeezable applesauce snacks don't have to be just for kids. :) They are pretty delicious, and work quickly in the event of a low blood sugar! You can find them in the grocery store.
Must Have Item 3: Unified Lifestyle Restaurant App
Chris and I love to eat out, but it's not always the easiest thing on my blood sugars. Who knows exactly how many carbs are actually in that cheeseburger and fries?! This restaurant app does! It has a HUGE variety of restaurants to choose from, with carbs for each item on their menus. I have found it to be pretty accurate. And best of all - it's free!
Shout out to my awesome niece (and diabetic mommy!), Abbie, for introducing me to this app! :)
Must Have Item 4: Balancing Pregnancy with Pre-Existing Diabetes Book
There are an abundance of books on pregnancy out there, but not many on pregnancy and diabetes - especially pre-existing diabetes (rather than gestational). I found this book to be an intelligent, reassuring resource with tons of great information. It was an easy read. I'd highly recommend it!
Well, there's just a few of my must haves that have helped me get through the first 4 months of pregnancy with good control. If there are any diabetic moms-to-be (or moms already!) reading this blog, I'd love to hear about the tools you used to have a healthy pregnancy!
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