- Messages
- 7
- Type of diabetes
- Family member
- Treatment type
- Insulin
Hi all,
My wife (T1) and I are looking to conceive our first child in the next few months and want to do everything we can to ensure a healthy pregnancy. We're both from different backgrounds (the USA and New Zealand) and are trying to get to grips with what is/isn't offered on the Scottish NHS.
She has reached out to the GP, who has refused to do any blood tests (incl. a recommended test on thyroid function) since she is otherwise healthy. Instead, the GP said to contact the local diabetes team with extra questions. The diabetes team said since her A1c is good (last measured 18 months ago — "no need" to get it retested), there isn't any need for an appointment and to go back to the GP with any questions. They even said there is no need to take folic acid before pregnancy, despite the NHS's own website (and US/NZ counterparts) recommending folic acid pre-conception.
I don't want to sound ungrateful, and I understand that US healthcare is quite "extra" and unnecessary; BUT, it seems like the GP and diabetes team don't want to do any tests or provide any information ahead of time. There are even other little things, like the US doctors recommending a toxoplasmosis test (since we have several cats), but the GP here saying that it isn't offered. The conflicting information is very confusing!
My questions are:
My wife (T1) and I are looking to conceive our first child in the next few months and want to do everything we can to ensure a healthy pregnancy. We're both from different backgrounds (the USA and New Zealand) and are trying to get to grips with what is/isn't offered on the Scottish NHS.
She has reached out to the GP, who has refused to do any blood tests (incl. a recommended test on thyroid function) since she is otherwise healthy. Instead, the GP said to contact the local diabetes team with extra questions. The diabetes team said since her A1c is good (last measured 18 months ago — "no need" to get it retested), there isn't any need for an appointment and to go back to the GP with any questions. They even said there is no need to take folic acid before pregnancy, despite the NHS's own website (and US/NZ counterparts) recommending folic acid pre-conception.
I don't want to sound ungrateful, and I understand that US healthcare is quite "extra" and unnecessary; BUT, it seems like the GP and diabetes team don't want to do any tests or provide any information ahead of time. There are even other little things, like the US doctors recommending a toxoplasmosis test (since we have several cats), but the GP here saying that it isn't offered. The conflicting information is very confusing!
My questions are:
- Do we have unrealistic expectations?
- Should we be getting more from the GP/diabetes team?
- Are there avenues outside the NHS to get extra reassurance/care? E.g. private endocrinologist, testing, etc.?
- Have you had a pregnancy with Type 1 diabetes? What was your experience?
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