How to plan pregnancy with type 1 diabetes?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 27-year-old female who has been recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and am struggling to cope with managing my blood sugar levels through insulin, food, and physical activity. Sometimes, my levels go low, and it leaves me lightheaded or shaky, which can get quite scary. I am also looking to conceive in the coming years and would like to know more about managing pregnancy for a diabetic.

I am interested in finding out more about more modern technologies, like insulin pumps or continuous glucose meters. Are these safe and effective for someone like me?
Could you also tell me the best means of preventing complications from diabetes, like eye disease or kidney disease?
Explain in lay terms the daily means by which I might stay healthy and successfully control the diabetic condition?

Please help.

Thank you for your guidance.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

It can indeed be difficult to cope with type 1 diabetes. For type 1 diabetes, there is often a genetic aspect. It tends to occur within the young years of life.

An insulin pump releases insulin on a continuous basis and delivers basal as well as bolus insulin. They are effective in managing blood sugar levels more conveniently than the previous method, requiring only one or two injections per day.

As type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, and there are commonalities in the genes with celiac disease and autoimmune thyroid disease, it would be prudent to have screenings for such conditions each year.

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) measure the levels of glucose in the bloodstream throughout the day by wearing a sensor under the skin. These monitors are beneficial because a sensor notifies a person when the glucose levels in the blood become either high or low.

Occasionally, a drop in blood sugar could occur if one is taking high doses of insulin, so it is essential that one adjusts their insulin dose and checks their blood sugar level, particularly before meals and after injecting insulin. If one feels dizzy or shaky, consuming glucose candies or snacks would help.

If diabetes is not controlled, it can also influence fertility and pregnancy. However, with proper planning and guidance from a medical team, a pregnant woman can be able to control her diabetes. Controlling diabetes also helps in preventing complications in either the kidneys or the eyes.

I hope the information helps.

Kindly revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.