Type 1 diabetes and pregnancy in late 30s

[Kinneycat]

Hi everyone, I've looked at this site and forum over the years and have finally joined - I can see that the support and advice of fellow diabetics is invaluable!

I'm 37 and have been a type 1 diabetic since the age of 9 (almost 28 years). I am generally well-controlled and tend to test my blood sugar level several times a day. I take Lantus and NovoRapid via pens, and eat healthily on the whole (wholewheat cereal, soya milk, wholemeal bread, porridge, fruit, cheese, yogurt, lots of vegetables, brown rice...), though I could do with exercising more and losing around 1.5 stone.

My partner and I are planning to start a family in the coming year. The news is often filled with stories relating to the risks for any woman of leaving pregnancy until late 30s/early 40s, and this has made me wonder if there are any diabetes-related issues that make a later age pregnancy more complicated aside from the 'usual' potential complications as a diabetic?

Many thanks!

 

[himtoo]

Hi @Kinneycat

just bumping your post -- hopefully some of the lovely T1 ladies will be along soon.

tagging @azure for her lovely support .

 

[Robinredbreast]

Hello, I had my now teenager 15 years ago when I was 42 1/2 years old, so quite an older mum and diabetes too, but it was one of my greatest diabetes moments and she is a happy healthy girl. Good luck and I wish you all the very best for a happy future.
Best wishes RRB

 

[Flakey Bake]

I just wanted to wish you all the best for a healthy future pregnanacy. I sounds like you are reasonably well controlled and being pregnant (diabetic or not) is the greatist inspiration for taking extra care of yourself. The fact that you have posted your questions and have concerns suggests that you will do everything your power to ensure as healthy as possible pregnancy. Speak to your diabetes care team now and get the extra support and advice in place prior to conceiving. best of luck x

 

[dancer]

You could ask to be referred to a pre-pregnancy clinic. They would tell you about any changes you should make.

 

[hels]

I had my kids at 39 and 41. Both healthy and uncomplicated pregnancies and births.
You should make sure you are on 5mg folic acid from before trying to conceive - your doctor should prescribe it.
It's hard work keeping good control through pregnancy as its a moving target but so worth it.
Good luck!

 

[azure]

I don't think there are any 'extra' health issues at being just that little bit older (but obviously I'm not a doctor). You'd get extra care because of the diabetes anyway, so being a slightly older mum would just be another thing for them to bear in mind. I suggest you speak to your doctor if you're at all concerned. I believe things like blood pressure can be a little higher sometimes when you're older, but that's just on average. Mine stayed lower than it was in my 20s. I do think we always hear scare stories about older mums - as if every woman over 30 is automatically 'past it'! But I think age brings experience, and that'll stand you in good stead as a mum

You can google any increased risks for mums in their 30s and 40s, but don't let that frighten you. The birth rate for older mums is increasing and most of those mums have healthy babies.

Hels has given good advice about the folic acid (I took mine for months and months before I got pregnant). That and keeping your blood sugar strictly controlled are the most important things, I think. You'll be monitored frequently and taken really good care of. I found the extra appointments and scans very reassuring.

Good luck - and do keep us updated and ask any questions you want. If you search in the Pregnancy section here you'll get an idea of pregnancy for mums with diabetes. It's hard work keeping tight control, but perfectly do-able

 

[Kinneycat]

Thank you everyone for the advice and warm support! It is wonderfully reassuring to have so many experienced diabetics on side.

It sounds as though being slightly older makes little to no difference where my type 1 is concerned. I will follow the advice and contact my GP re: pre-pregnancy clinic/appointments, and will get a prescription for the 5mg folic acid at my next visit. I have my annual review next week and will find out my latest HbA1c results.

I will have a look at the Pregnancy section on the forum - I'm sure this will be a great help when the time comes!

Thanks again, a happy healthy day to all!

 

[Diamattic]

I am not the most qualified here but - Think about all the women who develop gestational diabetes when pregnant they manage. The largest issue caused by the diabetes I would think would be high blood sugars, and controlling them.

I am in the strong belief that one should not let diabetes change what you want in life. It is certainly not an excuse to avoid having a family.

You got this - best of luck.

 

[Niecie]

Hi I'm 38 (only just) in early stages of pregnancy ) I went on insulin pump last Nov have been attending the well woman clinic (at the diabetes centre)since April when last there in Sept they told me to tell them 1st and not the gp! (Didn't ask why unfortunatly) been very lucky as have fell within 2 month, called hosp then drs drs was awful so I'm leaving my care with the diabetes team!, I'm at hosp 9th Nov and will see what's what I also have a son aged 10 so will be a big gap lol all planned and both extremely happy hoping everything goes smoothly. Wishing you the very best keep us informed my advice would be jeep your sugars as tight as possible get in touch with the diabetes team at the hosp and query about the well woman clinic xx

 

[tinyfilosofer]

Hi, have the same question. Doc says absolutely no pregnancy until I'm 1 year old. I don't understand why.
I'm 37 this year. Diagnosed when mid of 36.

 

[AndBreathe]

Hi, have the same question. Doc says absolutely no pregnancy until I'm 1 year old. I don't understand why.
I'm 37 this year. Diagnosed when mid of 36.

Tinyfilosofer - You have posted on a thread that's been dormant for over a year. You might find you have more responses if you create a new thread for yourself?