High blood sugars in first few weeks of unknown pregnancy

[Cidem89]

Hi all,

I am new to this and this is my first ever post. I have had type 1 diabetes for 11 years and am 26 years old. Im wondering why i did not join this forum sooner as I've been reading through some threads and the support is great. Ive always been alone with my diabetes i don't have any family members, friends, work colleagues or just know anyone with the condition so there is no one I can talk to who fully understands.

Ok so the main reason I've joined is because im 8+3 days pregnant and didn't find out till i was 6 weeks my diabetes to be honest has never been well controlled and my sugar levels have been quite high especially because I had an UTI during the start of my pregnancy, but as soon as I found out I was pregnant Everything changed I'm now testing every 2 hours even through the night and giving extra insulin shots to correct any highs my bs levels have been pretty good.

My question is Have I already caused harm to the baby? Has anyone else had high sugar levels during the start of there pregnancy and have delivered healthy babys?

Im extremely concerned as this will be my first ever pregnancy and was unplanned.

X

 

[himtoo]

Hi Cidem89
welcome to the forum
I can't actually help on this one but am bumping the post and am tagging some lovely ladies who should be able to offer some support.
@azure , @tigger ,

do keep us updated on how things go !! Congratulations too !!

 

[Cidem89]

Aww than you much appreciated

 

[azure]

Hi @Cidem89

Congratulations! First of all, don't panic! It's not unusual for women to not find out they're pregnant for a few weeks, and not every pregnancy is planned, even diabetic ones. The most important thing is that you're working hard now to keep good control - well done It's hard work, but it's worth it!

My pregnancy was planned, but I had highs at the beginning and a number of spikes after meals. But I had a perfect little boy a few months ago No woman can have perfect sugars throughout pregnancy as things change due to insulin resistance as the pregnancy progresses.

Have you got an appointment for the diabetes antenatal clinic? Have you spoken to your DSN? One thing that's important to do is to take a high dose of folic acid. This has to be prescribed. Your GP would probably be able to sort that for you if you have to wait to see a consultant. I'd get that done as soon as possible so you can start taking it if you're not already.

Keep up with what you're doing - testing lots and correcting if necessary. It sounds like you're on top of your diabetes Also, have a read of the JDRF sticky at the top of this forum.

You're doing fine - keep those sugars in range, eat well, keep hydrated, rest and relax

 

[Cidem89]

Hello Azure,

Thank you so much for taking time out to reply to my thread it means a lot, and im glad to hear you gave birth to a healthy little boy, congratulations was he your first? And how much did he weigh if you don't mind me asking?

I have been taking folic acid for few months now my doctor prescribed it to me even though i weren't trying for a baby.

So far I've visited my doctor and have had blood tests done but when the receptionist booked me in to see the community midwife the earliest slot was all the way in September! She gave me the midwifes direct number but every time I call I can never get through. Im 8+3 weeks so im abit concerned.

Im constantly checking my levels and keeping them at normal range and always correcting when needed. I always have been a healthy eater but it seems im always hungry since being pregnant!
Also i sould be exercising but these past few weeks I've felt exhausted is this common?

 

[azure]

He was my 3rd baby He was born at 37 weeks and weighed 6lb 1oz.

I'm pleased you're already taking the folic acid. That high dose can help prevent birth defects so that's a huge help

During my pregnancy, I saw the community midwife like every other pregnant woman but I also saw a special team at my local,hospital. This team was because I have diabetes and, as far as I know, every woman with diabetes should have such a team. Can you phone your local diabetic centre or a DSN at your hospital? When I phoned them when I discovered I was pregnant, I saw them in a few days. Your GP doesn't have to call them. You should be able to phone and they should add you to their special clinic. That way you get extra help and advice. I found my team really helpful.

Yep, it's completely normal to feel extremely tired in pregnancy! All you can do is rest as much as you can. The tiredness does improve in the second trimester though. Feeling extra-hungry is normal too, and you may fancy carby things that you wouldn't normally eat, which makes it hard when you have diabetes. I found eating regularly helped my morning sickness. I had extra boluses and watched my sugars like a hawk.

Another thing to mention is that hypos are common in early pregnancy. Your body and the hormones it's producing becomes very sensitive to insulin early on and you can have hypos when you normally wouldn't at all. Night time ones aren't uncommon either. So if you are feeling tired or sleepy, always check your sugars to make sure you're not going unexpectedly low. I tested mine at 2.30am too. Lucozade is really helpful. I had some by my bed, and some in my bag.

I wouldn't worry about exercising right now. Keep good diabetic control and look after yourself.

 

[Cidem89]

Aww thats lovely to hear

What does DSN stand for sorry as I've never heard of the initials?

My diabetic appointment is also in September which was booked back in July but really id like to be seen sooner, so yes I shall be calling tomorrow morning to let them know my circumstance and hopefully they can see me sometime this week.

Also yes I have been experiencing hypos at least one a day and have plenty of lucozade tablets that i never got to use in the past (considering my high levels) but im sure going through them now! Im still having trouble getting my levels consistent especially my after meal levels which are out of my target range they tend to be between 8-10

But other than that im trying not to stress

 

[himtoo]

DSN = Diabetic specialist nurse

she will work at the hospital where you see your diabetic consultant
ring tomorrow -- you may need to leave a message but please do so -- somebody from that team should ring you back within 24 hours

 

[Cidem89]

Oh thank you for that info - as soon as the lines are open i shall be on the phone

 

[Zmumin1013]

I know this 4 years ago but I am wondering if everything was ok