I think I might be pregnant. We weren’t trying. It’s too early to do a test, but I have symptoms and yesterday I think I had implantation bleeding.
I’m trying to get into the see my DR asap. things are so booked up! In the mean time…what do I do about my BG. I’m all over the place…I’m having a lot of lows lately because we’ve been really working on getting my A1c down - in prep for pregnancy. Is it true low BG can cause birth defects? I had two readings yesterday in the 40’s and early this morning again in the same range. Should I run higher? that’s bad too? I’m freaking out!!!
I hope that you are able to get answers as soon as possible.
From my understanding, highs should be avoided… and severe lows as well.
Many non-diabetic women have readings in the 60’s during pregnancy.
I think it is dangerous for YOU to be in the 40’s. Perhaps consider reducing your insulin if you are having repeated numbers that are this low. Keep us posted!
I’ve had 3 successful diabetic pregnancies. The lows are ok, its the highs which you need to be concerned about. And its the long term, long lasting highs. An occasional one here and there is alright.
I recall early in all my pregnancies having blood sugars all over the map, it was frustrating. Find foods which will help to stabilize your blood sugars. I remember drinking milk, eating a small baked potato, some eggs, cheese and crackers. Everyone is different, so you might need to experiment a bit to figure it out for yourself.
I’d suggest finding a high risk OB, who has experience helping a diabetic manage her blood sugars. I depended on my OB for adjusting insulin levels, etc. If you don’t have a high risk OB, as your endo for a recommendation.
Most of all, try to relax. It is a lot of work, but you get into a groove and its ok. Ask for help, let others do things for you, and enjoy. It would be the same advice I’d give a non diabetic.
Hope some of this helped.
Cara
Mom to Lily (10), Caroline (7) and Samuel (4)
type 1 9/96
I know you wrote this last year and have probably forgotten about it but just wanted to thank you for your lovely note. I am currently in pre-pregnancy planning and, while my HbA1c is going in the right direction, I’m pretty exhausted with all the hard work and constantly thinking about diabetes and worrying about highs and having a really difficult time with pre-menstrual BG hikes.
But - your message has inspired me to keep up the work!
Hi Nic,
I am in the exact same place as you! My husband and I went to a pre-pregnancy consultation in Feb. and ever since then I feel like I have been so consumed with diabetes I almost can’t stand it. I wasn’t on the pump but am making that change. I started a month ago. My current A1C is 6.7 and I continue to have readings above 120 which is a no-no from the dr. It’s been difficult for me to manage the stress and frustration. Have you figured out an eating plan that works for you? I feel like that is the one thing that I’m really missing. I try and feel like I don’t each much but still can’t seem to get my numbers where they should be all the time. Anyhow, if you want a partner to help throughout our planning, I’m up for that. Let me know if you think it would be helpful. It might help to know that someone is in the same stage and can understand what I’m going through.
Annette
Annette, I am also trying to get similar control and find it very difficult. Perhaps start will a more reachable goal and creap your way downward. For a few weeks, I tried not to go above 200. Now I’m trying not to go above 160. Next week I will move it down to 140. It helps me to ease in…
I am reducing my carb intake dramatically. I find this is the only way that I prevent highs.
Do you bolus right when you eat? I started bolusing early and it made a HUGE differnce in my blood sugar. I give my bolus 15-20 minutes before eating. For me, that’s the difference between a peak of 200 or a peak of 140, even with meals up to 50g of carb. Click here for another discussion with more details about this.
Hi Nic. I agree with Kristen. Start out small with your goals. It’s just too much pressure to try to be within a drastic range. Remember that your bg’s aren’t going to be perfect all the time, but if you are able to make adjustments quickly then it will be easier. Do you have a carb limit? My limit is no more than 50 carbs a meal. I hardly ever get to 50 - usually around 30, but I find that helps. You might think I’m crazy, but if you’re really having a hard time you might want to talk to a Maternal Fetal Medicine dr. They know how to get pregnant diabetics on track and even though you aren’t pregnant yet you might be able talk to them.
