Diabetics tackle pregnancy

CELESTE GORRELL ANSTISS

A coffee group for new and expectant mothers with type 1 diabetes is being launched next Monday at the Diabetes Association building in Mt Eden.

Specialist diabetes psychologist and co-organiser Gudrun Court says she hopes the group will provide support, friendship and fun for type 1 diabetics during their pregnancy and first year of motherhood.

"Diabetes can be very isolating, and so can pregnancy but sharing and laughing about things with other people can diffuse the worry and stress," she says.

"The women will already have that mutual understanding of the challenges that come with diabetes, so they will be able to share their stories without having to explain."

Specialist midwives will offer practical advice and answer questions.

"We don't want it to be about coming in and getting lectured," Ms Court says.

Co-organiser Jo Morgan, a diabetes midwife at Auckland Hospital, agrees having a support network makes pregnancy easier.

"It's hard work for diabetics to control their blood sugars when they are pregnant. It can be really stressful and time-consuming," she says.

"They've got to be thinking about diabetes the whole time, unlike other women, who can focus on enjoying their pregnancy."

Ms Morgan says a generation ago, many doctors told women with type 1 diabetes not to have children because it was too dangerous.

This has changed, but pregnancy remains a sometimes nerve-wracking and challenging experience for many diabetic women.

Athena Smith, 28, a type 1 diabetic with three children under three, says the group will be a valuable place for diabetic women to meet and support others going through a similar experience.

"When youre pregnant, diabetes is a full time job. It's very exhausting constantly keeping your blood sugars controlled. It can be really frustrating at times too," she says.

Athena, who is planning her fourth pregnancy, says things are easier when you are not going through it alone.

"Knowing other people who understand first-hand how much of a big deal it is, that's so important."

During her previous pregnancies, Athena found support through online groups dedicated to her condition.

But unfortunately, most of the other mothers lived on the other side of the world.

She says having a local group will make a difference.

"Being diabetic and pregnant takes a bit of extra effort and forward planning, but it is completely realistic," Athena says.

Athena was referred to the high-risk maternity clinic at Auckland hospital 12 months before her first pregnancy.

"It took a year to get my blood sugars consistently spot on. I was having to do blood tests every two hours, and get up during the night. I had to do a lot more insulin injections. It was exhausting," she says.

The group will meet at Diabetes Auckland, 62-64 Valley Rd, Mt Eden, on the last Monday of every month at 10.30am, from Monday.

For more information contact Gudrun on 021- 025-32703.

– Celeste Gorrell Anstiss is an AUT journalism student

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