Description

In this episode of Sweet Expectations, I interview Jenny Smith, a registered dietitian, Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist and a mom with type 1 diabetes. We discuss the importance of preconception planning, including optimizing glucose management by becoming more skilled in using the tools and strategies available. We discuss the benefits of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and automated insulin delivery (AID) systems in managing blood sugar levels during pregnancy, as well as utilizing multiple daily injections. Insulin resistance is a common challenge for women with diabetes during pregnancy due to hormones have a significant impact on glucose and insulin levels. Insulin resistance can start in the early days of pregnancy and gradually increases throughout the second and third trimesters. We discuss ways to manage insulin resistance, including adjusting insulin doses, pre-bolusing, using alternative insulins like U-200 and considering medications like metformin.

Takeaways

• Preconception planning is crucial for managing diabetes during pregnancy, including optimizing glucose management, setting targets, and ensuring quality nutrition.
• Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) provide valuable visibility into blood sugar levels and help make more informed decisions about insulin dosing.
• Automated insulin delivery (AID) systems can be beneficial in managing blood sugar levels during pregnancy, but individualization and close monitoring are necessary.
• Personalized care and individualized recommendations are essential throughout the pregnancy journey to ensure optimal health for both the mother and baby. Pregnancy hormones have a significant impact on glucose and insulin levels, leading to insulin resistance.
• Insulin resistance typically starts in the early days of pregnancy and gradually increases throughout the second and third trimesters.
• Managing insulin resistance involves adjusting insulin doses, pre-bolusing, and considering medications like metformin.
• Delivery timing for women with diabetes varies depending on individual circumstances and hospital protocols. Open discussions with healthcare providers are important to determine the best plan for a safe and healthy delivery.

00:00 Introduction and Pregnancy Journey

05:55 Preconception Planning and Assembling a Supportive Care Team

29:17 Managing Insulin Resistance with Technology

37:41 Medications and Strategies for Insulin Resistance

42:53 Timing of Delivery and Individualized Plans

49:50 Open Communication and Setting Realistic Birth Preferences

More from Jenny:

Integrated Diabetes Services

Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes

Resources

Follow us on Instagram page, ⁠@yourdiabeticpregnancy⁠

To learn more about a T1D Pregnancy, enroll in the self-paced course, ⁠Your T1D Pregnancy Journey⁠.

Need more personalized assistance? ⁠Apply for diabetes coaching⁠ with Allison, a certified diabetes educator and T1D mom.

Disclaimer: Nothing you hear on the Sweet Expectations podcast should be a substitute for personalized professional medical or mental health advice. Please always consult your physician or other medical professional before making any changes to your diet, insulin dosages, or healthcare plan.