type 1 and pregnant

aacoop19 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-09-2009, 04:54 PM

I've had type 1 diabetes since I was 12 years old, and I got the pump about 2 years ago. I am happy with it, but me and my husband just found out I'm pregnant!!
I cant seem to get my blood sugars in control! Its so frustrating!! Its usually high a while after I eat, then go low a few hours later.

Belle'sMama · #2 (**permalink**) 11-09-2009, 07:55 PM

Hi! congratulations!!! I, too, was diagnosed with type 1 when I was 12. I've been on the pump for 4 yrs now. How far along are you? I am 6 wks.

aacoop19 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 05:54 AM

Thank you! And congratulations to you! I am about 5 weeks! It is so exciting, but scary at the same time!! I dont know anyone that was already diabetic before they got pregnant, so I dont have anyone I can go to and ask. I just wish it was easier! I know I'm just getting started, being only 5 weeks, and it's already stressful! I just am worried about my baby being healthy!!

belyro · #4 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 06:48 AM

I had the same problem as you while pregnant (and, in fact, I have the same problem when I'm NOT pregnant) - the highs followed by lows.

There are a few ways to tackle that, including eating lower GI foods, pre-bolusing (which can be a bit scary if you're having nausea/vomiting and may not be able to finish a meal you've bolused for), and superbolusing. I used superbolusing, which is basically borrowing some basal to add to your bolus. I would take a big meal bolus, but then drop my basal down for a few hours after the meal. (Someone else may be able to do a better job of explaining this than I just did.) It worked quite well!

If you're interested in reading my diabetes & pregnancy blog, it's at Life as a Pregnant Diabetic. It's pretty recent - my baby just came in May.

Good luck, and congratulations!

Belle'sMama · #5 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 11:58 AM

I am curious about the super bolusing as well, though I'm pretty sure with the way my endo is, she will not approve, lol. I was never told about super bolusing before when I was pg with my now 2.5 yr old. I remember prebolusing alot when I was pg before and I've started doing that now as well but like she mentioned, it sucks if you don't finish the meal for one reason or another.

aacoop19 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 01:57 PM

So far I have been trying to bolus before meals and it doesnt seem to help! Its frusterating! It just seems like no matter how much insulin I do it doesnt seem to work until whenever it wants! I go to my doc this friday, so hopefully Ill find something out!!

belyro · #7 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Belle'sMama

I am curious about the super bolusing as well, though I'm pretty sure with the way my endo is, she will not approve, lol. I was never told about super bolusing before when I was pg with my now 2.5 yr old.

I actually taught my endo about superbolusing, so don't wait for yours to bring it up if you think it would help! I don't think it's an especially common method, so endos won't necessarily push it or even know about it! I've had great success with it, though, so it's worth a try! But if you think your endo will give you push-back, I highly recommend learning all you can about it before you see your endo, and bring him/her some information about it that can back up your reasons for wanting to use it. A good endo shouldn't dispute it without good reason.

Here's a start: The Super Bolus (A good endo should also respect John Walsh, IMO)

And here's a thread about it from a while back: Super Bolus

Remember that YOUR opinion counts, even if your endo doesn't approve... It's your body!