I was diagnosed with diabetes 25 years ago. I had to completely give up sweets, give myself injections, and check my blood glucose levels all the time. Those were unhappy times.

I’ve always wanted kids and of course I've always been aware that I might pass the diabetes on to my children.

Because my blood glucose levels fluctuate all the time and because I’ve had big problems with hypoglycemia in the past, I now have an insulin pump with an integrated continuous blood glucose monitor to manage my diabetes during the pregnancy. I have an HbA1c of 5 – something I could only have dreamed of in the past.

This is how it works in my everyday life: I have my glucose limits programmed into my pump. When I reach one of those levels below 4,4 mmol/l (80 mg/DL) or above 7,2 mmol/l (130 mg/DL) the pump starts beeping or vibrating. I’m not so good at sensing those levels myself, so it's really helpful for me, especially when the levels are low. There's no way to get a good blood glucose level by yourself.
Luckily, my husband supports me in everything I do. It’s so important to make sure your family and close friends know enough about the condition to be able to help.

I'm not too concerned about the birth. What I am concerned about is what happens afterwards because
I know that insulin levels will drop very quickly and I need to make sure that all goes well for my child.
But my husband will be there and I’ll be closely monitored throughout.

My advice to you: If you manage to keep your blood glucose levels under control, if you are well adjusted
and have your HbA1c levels regularly checked by your doctor, then chances are you'll have a perfectly
good life with diabetes. You can do all the things everyone else does, like doing sports and going on holiday.