Pregnancy bound (hopefully) and new CGM; sensors are a pain in the...

[shrinkydink]

Hi all, new forum member here, and first post.

My husband and I just got the "green light" to start working on pregnancy after getting my A1c to 6.1 (lowest ever in 28 years!). I also just got approved for the Minimed CGM to help me prep for pregnancy and to monitor during pregnancy.

While I've got a ton of thoughts and worries and curiosities about those of you who have already been successful with Type 1 and pregnancy, I'm wondering about reactions to using the CGM, creative sites for the sensors to reduce pain and improve accuracy, esp if/when I'm lucky enough to start losing "real estate" to baby. :-)

So far, I've been brave enough (and barely) only for my abdomen, but frankly, I feel and look like a pin cushion after a few weeks. I tried a site tonight on my "lower hip" (which feels more like my rear end) and despite some discomfort after insertion, seems ok so far.

I would love any reassurance that this is all worth it (CGM, second insertion/infusion sites, etc); I know that the pregnancy will be, but while I'm waiting, the road of this particular adjustment feels hard and discouraging.

[Shannonb]

I'm still early in the game - 9 weeks, and this is my first. I've been using the Minimed sensor for over a year. I definitely think that it's hard work, but stick with it. I've been putting it below my lower back (kind of the small of your back). I have my husband do the sensors because I can't reach back there logistically. Yes, I too feel like a pin cushion sometimes. Just stick with the sensors. Sometimes they are totally wrong, but at this time it at least knows in which direction I'm going, so you'll know if you are going up or down too fast. It is pretty much in real time, but I've tested and been like what's going on here. It sometime takes it 5-10 minutes to register if you are going up or down really fast. Don't overcalibrate the sensor and remember to calibrate during times that your blood sugar isn't erratic. I was told the sensor should last 6 days. Mine was lasting less, and I realized it was due to I wasn't changing the plastic covering enough and water was getting in there. Stick with it - it's worth it. Hope this helps!!

[InsulinGirl3134]

I just saw this post and smiled because I just got done cussing out my sensor because I just got a sensor error signal. I too use the Medtronic CGM, and I have never had a harder time getting technology to work to my advantage! Either I bleed so much that I drown the sensor, or it stops working after a couple days.. (isnt it supposed to last 6?) I spend very uncomfortable nights (BIG NEEDLE!) and days trying not to brush my clothing against it. I hope that someone here is having better luck than I.. I need some encouragement too!!

[megrn]

hi,
I am new to this site, but I was in the same place as many of you. I am a type 1 diabetic for 22 years, on an insulin pump, and I have a dexcom system (cgm) since may. I am currently 27 weeks pregnanct with my first. I just got my hgb A1c down to a 4.9...yes, a 4.9. it is so important during the first 8 weeks of life to keep the bloodsugars undecontrol, and the sensor can help you do just that.
I am also a registered nurse, and even though I am in the medical field, I felt that som eof the doctor's information was very overwhelming. I even asked the high risk obgyn how can he expect compliance when he throws out so much information at patients. He just stared back.....
CGM ..first, apply ice before insertion of your cgm. it helps alot. they recommend the abdomen....opposite side from your pump. you can also try the back of your arm, but you will need help with insertion...trust me on this. each cgm is different, so read the manual. I am a big fan of dexcom.
is it all worth it...yes. You may notice insulin resistance starting around 26 weeks (it is a good sign!) so the cgm will let you see trends in your blood sugar that you will not see with just finger sticks alone. It will also help detect nocturnal hypoglycemic events, which are also common during pregnancy. Keep glucagon handy at bedside, and if you have none, have your loved one call 911 immediately.
keep your head up and your sugars stable. if someone quotes steel magnolias, tell them where to go..if you get my drift :)
also, test for ketones every morning (they cross the placenta), and drink plenty of fluids.
good luck to everyone, and yes, it is worth it.


Hi all, new forum member here, and first post.

My husband and I just got the "green light" to start working on pregnancy after getting my A1c to 6.1 (lowest ever in 28 years!). I also just got approved for the Minimed CGM to help me prep for pregnancy and to monitor during pregnancy.

While I've got a ton of thoughts and worries and curiosities about those of you who have already been successful with Type 1 and pregnancy, I'm wondering about reactions to using the CGM, creative sites for the sensors to reduce pain and improve accuracy, esp if/when I'm lucky enough to start losing "real estate" to baby. :-)

So far, I've been brave enough (and barely) only for my abdomen, but frankly, I feel and look like a pin cushion after a few weeks. I tried a site tonight on my "lower hip" (which feels more like my rear end) and despite some discomfort after insertion, seems ok so far.

I would love any reassurance that this is all worth it (CGM, second insertion/infusion sites, etc); I know that the pregnancy will be, but while I'm waiting, the road of this particular adjustment feels hard and discouraging.

[Shannonb]

I have a question for megrn. You mentioned night time lows. This is the first I've heard of this, but I've definitely been having some lows almost every night. I'm only 11 weeks, but I've had to cut back my basal at night to not go too low at night. I was just curious about this. I, too have been a Type I diabetic for 22 years. I have the pump and sensor. I've obviously been trying to keep my bloodsugars in check, but do you ever have any highs? A 4.9 AIC is amazing, congrats! My doctor told me not to worry if I'm high, as long as I don't stay there for a long time. I just wanted to see how your bloodsugars were in comparison. This is definitely hard work. I'm craving all fruits and anything sweet. Actually, that leads to another question. Are you eating anything sugar free (i.e. contains splenda). I've been having some sugar free pudding, etc. in moderation. I just can't seem to totally cut out those items. Let me know. Thanks.

[belyro]

Hi there! I used CGMS sensors throughout my pregnancy, but I only used my abdomen. Even when I was HUGE and my stomach was TIGHT (I retained a TON of water and gained over 50lbs because of it), the sensors still worked in my abdomen. Since I pay out-of-pocket for my sensors, I didn't want to risk losing $50 to an attempt at a new site. :P I did, however, start using my thighs for my infusion sites to give my abdomen a break.

If you'd like to hear more about my experience, you can check out my blog. I have a link to it here: http://www.diabetesforums.com/forum/type-1-diabetes-pregnancy/44747-my-blog-type-1-a.html

Good luck!