Pregnancy

Your child's start in life begins long before birth.

The first 8 to 12 weeks are very important for the development of the foetus, as it is during this period the organs develop. With poor metabolic control the risk of complications exist. If you are considering pregnancy, you should strive to achieve tight control. Ideally, you would achieve and maintain "normal" blood glucose levels for at least three months before conception. If pregnancy is achieved, tight control is essential. Through good metabolic control you reduce the risk of complications for you and your child.

If you are already pregnant or have been pregnant before, you know how difficult it is to maintain good control - despite your best efforts. Sickness and changing insulin needs can result sometimes in ups and downs in blood glucose levels. For the most part even with frequent insulin injections these problems can't be solved. Uncertainty, fear and often feelings of guilt could result.

This is the main reason why many women with diabetes change to insulin pumps before and during their pregnancy, which helps them to manage their control.

• The body's basic need for insulin is met because hourly variable basal rates can be programmed. These can be easily adjusted, as needed, during pregnancy
• As the pregnancy progresses, the more difficult it becomes to rest at night without disruption. With an insulin pump you have the flexibility to sleep late if you wish to
• In case your blood glucose level needs to be adjusted, you can deliver the insulin directly via the pump and don't need to inject insulin manually anymore. This allows you the flexibility to eat snacks when and where you want
• The insulin pump therapy gives you more freedom and flexibility in everyday life, which you will appreciate even after your pregnancy