Was just told I need to start insulin...scared and ignorant

[MrsRohner]

Hi Ladies, hoping some of you can ease my worries. I was just told this morning (I am 10 weeks) that I need to start insulin injections. I knew my fasting blood sugar was a problem because I have PCOS and it causes me to be insulin resistant so my high levels are not new to me. What shocked me is that I thought I would be taking the 3 hour test and meeting with the specialist to discuss stuff before insulin was ever brought up! But a high risk specialist saw my numbers today and told me I need to start right away.

All I wanted to do was cry when she was talking to me so I didn't really get many questions out! Is insulin completely safe for the baby? Usually, from what I understand, women start this much later in their pregnancy...is it still ok on the baby to inject for so long (30 weeks or so?)

Sorry for the long post and my ignorance to the subject...I appreciate your feedback

 

[HappyBunnyAB]

Hi there,

I also have PCOS and I started taking insulin at 14 weeks. I failed my 1 hour and 3 hour glucose tests. Don't worry insulin is safe for the baby. It actually helps you so your baby doesn't take in all the sugar and none of the nutrients. It's a pain to have to check your blood 4 times a day but it's worth it. Don't worry about starting insulin too soon your baby depends on you. Best of luck!

 

[080509]

I've got type 1 diabetes so have to inject basal insulin and then mealtime insulin (around 4 jabs a day) its completely safe for the baby as it doesn't cross the placenta like some blood sugar lowering pills do. The only thing you need to do is be aware of hypos (low blood sugar) and always keep a sugary drink or dextrose tablets in the house incase. There is a GD thread where lots of ladies control by diet or insulin so it may be worth a look in there for experiences x

Also the insulin they give you will probably look like a pen device, the needles are tiny (usually 4mm) and don't hurt at all, it actually hurts less than testing blood sugar IMO

 

[MrsRohner]

I've got type 1 diabetes so have to inject basal insulin and then mealtime insulin (around 4 jabs a day) its completely safe for the baby as it doesn't cross the placenta like some blood sugar lowering pills do. The only thing you need to do is be aware of hypos (low blood sugar) and always keep a sugary drink or dextrose tablets in the house incase. There is a GD thread where lots of ladies control by diet or insulin so it may be worth a look in there for experiences x

Also the insulin they give you will probably look like a pen device, the needles are tiny (usually 4mm) and don't hurt at all, it actually hurts less than testing blood sugar IMO

Thanks!! Its so good to hear that it is safe This week I have been so upset with myself like it is my fault...I know it really isn't but I cant help the negative thoughts

I am definitely going to read that thread since I have a lot of questions still!!

 

[080509]

Its not your fault, sometimes things just happen! x

 

[amjon]

Insulin is completely safe (other than possibly getting lows, but you can correct with juice or hard candies if you get one) and doesn't cross the placenta. It's the only thing my MFM trusts and says is 100% tested safe for the babies. I've been on insulin since 8 weeks and the boys are not 29 weeks. It's really not all that bad. You do have to watch what you eat and stick to the GD diet though. (I was given the vials and syringes as she started me on old school insulin (Humulin N and R). I still take the N, but she switched the R to Novolog which comes in a pen form.)