The Silver Lining

Each time I go to the doctor or am reminded of the scary medical concerns of not managing blood sugars, I am thankful for the strict regiment I have gotten accustomed to in terms of checking my blood sugars, keeping an eye on highs and lows, making regular and frequent doctor's appointments, and most importantly, keeping an eye on every piece of food that goes into my body. I've definitely done my fair share of complaining about managing all of this, and despite the fact that I live such a happy and healthy life, I think I have truly found the silver lining to all of this "madness" ....

Being pregnant AND a Type 1 diabetic adds a whole new element to tight control of blood sugars. Before I was pregnant, highs and lows happened (it's a normal part of this disease) but really the only person it physically affected was me. When my blood sugar was high, I didn't feel good and was tired and irritable. When my blood sugar was low, I got shaky and sweaty. But now, I'm not the only one feeling the affects of my blood sugar changes ... baby feels them too.

With this added sense of responsibility, it's truly all on me to monitor blood sugars extremely well. Ongoing high and low blood sugars could potentially affect the baby in a variety of ways and the last thing I would want to do is jeopardize this baby. I work with an AMAZING team of doctors who monitor my blood sugars, insulin levels, and diet on a daily and weekly basis. They require me to keep a log of everything I eat, all blood sugar checks (before and after meals), and insulin rates every day. Based on this information, we make changes weekly. It's a lot of work ... but well worth it!

So in all, I have to say, that if it weren't for the foundation of the last few years of taking really good care of myself, the feat of managing and checking blood sugars now would have seemed impossible because currently I am eating 6 small meals a day, checking my blood sugar about 10-15 times per day, and averaging a blood sugar of 100 (Perfection!). Sometimes I sit back and wonder how I would have done this without the foundation of being so diligent. So, despite the moaning and groaning out of frustration for how much work taking care of my diabetes was (and still is), there is a silver lining ... I was and am VERY prepared for what lies ahead with this pregnancy. Funny how life works out like that ... don't you think?