Diabetes and Preparing for pregnancy

Hirtzelgirl

So I'm stressing out about how bad my control has been over the last 3 years and I'm wanting to start a family in the next year or two (I'm 23 and had T1 diabetes since I was 8).

I have always had decent control in my youth and only in the last few years I feel like with finishing uni and getting married I have been spiraling. My A1c is in to 69, down from 75 in 2020, but I feel like my Glucose levels are worse than ever and I'm consistently in the 10.0 to 16.0 mmol/L range despite taking what seems like massive quantities of Humalog. My eating habits aren't horrible but I get myself in trouble with snacking like crazy and mindlessly eating when I'm alone. I don't work out as much as I'd like, but I have an active job in a Cafe.

TLDR - I really just feel like I have no one holding me accountable to myself and I struggle with self control so my diabetes has gotten out of control.

With the thought of starting a family looming in my head, I just have no idea how to get back to a comfortable level of health before I attempt. I'm thinking if I really dedicate myself I can get my A1c down enough within a year, but I have no idea how to accomplish this.

I'd really appreciate some thoughts/encouragement from others who may have more experience ❤️

Strudders67

I definitely don't have your experience but my suggestion would be to set yourself small goals that are attainable and work up from there.

I assume you're logging your foods in MFP. I also assume you know what spikes your blood sugar and what doesn't. In the Diary Settings, you can re-label the various meal categories. I'd set one as 'Snacks' so that you can see how much of your daily intake / carb percentage is going on non-meals. Depending on what you eat when you're picking at food mindlessly, I'd possibly set two as Snacks. One for Good Snacks and one for Poor Choice Snacks. Track accordingly, ideally before you actually eat it - and try to gradually reduce what gets logged as Poor Choice and increase Good Choice. Perhaps, by having to consciously log something, you'll think twice about it. Re-arrange your cupboards so that the stuff to the forefront will help you achieve your goals and the stuff that requires a stepladder to get to is the stuff you know you shouldn't be reaching for out of boredom.

Then, work on reducing the amount of snacks you have during the day. Do you need to eat more protein with your lunch or dinner so that you don't feel the need to eat again before / after dinner? Also, instead of reaching for a snack, have a glass of water and wait 10 mins. Do you still feel the need to pick at something or has the moment passed?

Take small steps.

mikhnpaitsmum

Mum of a newly diagnosed T1d here. Your post caught my eye. Just wondering when you last saw your endo?
Are you mdi or on a pump? Do you have a cgm? They are both great ways to lower a1c but I know they are costly.
We try to keep low carb aka free snacks on hand and pre portion the higher carb ones tonspot mindless.munching. She's 12 and it's onlly been 8 months so still learning.
Sounds like you are making great steps!!

Hirtzelgirl

I have access to a cgm, but the are terribly expensive for refills where I live and aren't subsidized sadly. I see my doctor/nutritionist regularly every 2-3 months, but they aren't always super helpful and just tell me to keep doing what I have been doing. I am joining a diabetes support group for the first time, so maybe I can get better help there. 😊

You are right about preportioning things tho, that's something I 'know' but am usually too lazy/busy to do.