Preparing for a Positive Pregnancy Experience with T1D, with Katherine LoPorto, T1D Mom of 1

This week's guest is Katherine LoPorto, who has lived with T1D for 30 years and is also the daughter of a T1D Dad. Katherine shares her journey from being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at a young age to her decision to start a family. She talks about the importance of finding a supportive healthcare team and the challenges she faced with insulin resistance during pregnancy. Katherine also discusses the adjustments she made to her diabetes management and the use of multiple insulin delivery methods to manage the insulin resistance common in pregnancy. Managing diabetes during pregnancy can be challenging, but there are tools and strategies that can help! The cost of insulin and supplies can add up, but finding ways to conserve and use them effectively can ease the stress. We cover breastfeeding and the impact of postpartum hormones on pregnancy. We also discuss on the fears and worries of passing on diabetes to their children, which is a common experience for those with diabetes who are contemplating having children. Takeaways Being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at a young age can become a part of one's identity and make it easier to manage the condition. Finding a supportive healthcare team, including an endocrinologist and OB, is crucial during pregnancy with type 1 diabetes. Managing insulin resistance during pregnancy can be challenging, and adjustments to insulin intake and delivery methods may be necessary. Using a combination of insulin pump and injections can help manage insulin requirements during pregnancy. Reading through care guidelines and staying informed about the latest research can provide reassurance and helpful insights during pregnancy with type 1 diabetes. Managing diabetes during pregnancy can be made easier with the use of tools and strategies. The cost of insulin and supplies can be a financial burden, but finding ways to conserve and use them effectively can help. Pregnancy can be easier to manage than non-pregnancy because the changes in insulin resistance are more predictable. Postpartum hormones can be unpredictable, but overall, the experience of pregnancy and childbirth can be rewarding and empowering for women with diabetes. The fear of passing on diabetes to their children is a common concern, but many women feel that the joy of having a child outweighs the potential challenges of managing diabetes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 04:55 Diagnosis Story 07:33 Preparing for Pregnancy with T1D 09:57 Managing Blood Sugar Levels and Emotions 12:43 The Importance of Supportive Healthcare Providers 22:07 Insulin Dosing and Delivery During Pregnancy 23:55 Using Multiple Insulin Delivery Methods 27:19 Considerations for Insulin Resistance and Skin Irritation 33:19 The Financial Burden of Diabetes Supplies During Pregnancy 38:25 Predictable Changes in Insulin Resistance During Pregnancy 42:16 Overcoming the Fear of Passing on Diabetes to a Child Mentioned: With Diabetes in Mind - Katherine's blog Check us out on Instagram at our NEW IG handle: ⁠@sweetexpectations__⁠ Want to learn all there is about Diabetes & Pregnancy: Your T1D Pregnancy Roadmap will get your journey off to the right start. Need more support preparing for pregnancy or managing diabetes during pregnancy than your HCPs can give? Virtual diabetes pregnancy coaching is available with Allison, a Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist and T1D mom of 2: ⁠Apply for 1-on-1 coaching here!