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Home > Knowledge & support > Resource hub > Pregnant with type 1 diabetes: My journey and top tips
When I found out I was pregnant, my first thought wasn’t just the usual ‘oh my goodness, I’m having a baby!’ Like many type 1 diabetics, my mind immediately jumped to ‘how am I going to manage my diabetes through this?’
I’m now four months along. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing, and having type 1 diabetes definitely does add another layer of complexity to pregnancy. But we’re incredibly lucky to have access to amazing technology and support that previous generations didn’t have.
Finding out you’re pregnant when you have type 1 can feel overwhelming, but my diabetes team has been incredible from day one. They’ve put extra support in place, including appointments every three weeks and an early scan at eight weeks. Having their expertise has made such a difference to my confidence.
One thing that really caught me off guard was how pregnancy hormones affect blood sugar levels. They can change hour by hour, let alone day by day! I’ve had to learn to be kind to myself when I see unexpected highs or lows. But I try to remember that these fluctuations are normal, even if they’re frustrating.
Gone are the days of guesstimating! I’ve become really strict about weighing my food and counting carbs. I have the same breakfast every day (it’s one less thing to think about), and I always weigh my dinner portions. For eating out, the Carbs and Cals app has been a lifesaver, especially for restaurant meals.
While the standard pregnancy vitamins are important, my diabetes team recommended additional supplements. It’s worth having this conversation with your team to make sure you’re getting everything you need.
Having people who truly understand what you’re going through is priceless. My diabestie Julie gave birth to a beautiful baby boy last year, and speaking to her has been a massive help. The diabetes community has been incredibly supportive, especially other mums who’ve been through pregnancy with type 1.
Before pregnancy, I was quite active with PT sessions twice a week and regular swimming. The reality now… my energy levels had other plans. Between managing blood sugars and pregnancy fatigue, I’ve had to adjust my expectations. And that’s perfectly okay.
Technology choices can make a big difference. I switched from my Omnipod Hybrid Loop to a YpsoPump, which wasn’t an easy decision – especially going from wireless to wired. But it’s given me better control over my target glucose levels, which is exactly what I need right now.
The most important thing I’ve learned? Yes, being pregnant with type 1 diabetes comes with extra challenges and anxiety. But I keep reminding myself that I’m not the first person to do this. Women have managed pregnancy with type 1 for decades, often without the technology we have today.
In fact, there’s never been a better time to be pregnant with type 1 diabetes.
Manisha is a design and technology teacher with a passion for raising awareness about type 1 diabetes.
Find out what to expect when you’re expecting with type 1
Get advice and information about managing type 1 diabetes around everyday life,
MJ works full-time as a chef in London and has recently started volunteering as an assistant to our Events and Supporter-Led Fundraising team.
Bob has lived with type 1 diabetes for 10 years and is one of our dedicated Community Connector volunteers.
Megan Neville was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at three years old. Now a graduate of the Royal School of Needlework, Megan shares her experiences of growing up with type 1 and how it became the topic of her sculptural handbag embroidery project: Ordinary Oddness.
Eden Valk was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes while she was still in school, navigating classes, friendships and everyday life. Here, she shares five of the most important lessons she’s learned along the way.
Our research is improving the lives of people with type 1 and making strides towards a cure. We’ll keep pushing until we make type 1 diabetes a thing of the past.
