Type II/pregnant

[carisa]

My surrogate is now 9 weeks pregnant with my twins. I'm very exctied, however, she was diagnosed with type II D when she was only 5-6 weeks pregnant. Her OB took her A1C levels and it was 5.8. However, in the weeks since, I know her levels have been generally ranging inbetween 117-150 after meals. After reading on the web I saw that in the first trimester if levels are not under control there could be major physical/mental problems with the baby(ies). My OB confirmed the same thing, but he said if levels are in tight control it should be fine. If anyone has experience with this I would love to hear your opinion on my situation.

How high is 117-150 really? Is her A1C level a good sign?

She should be getting on insulin within the next few days. Hopefully that can really help the situation. What kind of tests can I ask for to make sure the babies are ok, and at what week should I ask for them?

[WaveRider]

Doctors prefer under 6% others under 7%. Dr Ramsetty on the sister forum says under 7%. The 5.8% A1c is excellent.

Glucose can range upwards to 150 mg/dl 2-4 hours after a meal. She appears to be normal.

There's a lot of misinformation on the web. If you are concerned about something chat with your OB before believing something you read on a web site. Doesn't she/he have email?

[carisa]

Thanks WaveRider-
I know the web can be full of mis-information. It still scares me to read it. I'm happy Dr. Ramsetty says under 7. She's below that quite a bit. I wasn't aware that the glucose range can go up to 150 and still not be dangerous.

I will chat with my OB. I don't her her email though, I should go in for an appointment.

Carisa

[CoWriter]

Actually, normal blood sugar levels are different for a pregnant woman (my sister had gestational diabetes that's how I know).  

Fasting 70-90
2 hours after any meal should be <120
Bedtime <120

It is very important that the blood sugar be kept within the normal limits.  If her blood sugar remains high, the babies will be getting too much sugar, which will cause them to gain weight too quickly, and that increases the risk of premature labor.  And just because a baby is big, doesn't mean that they're ready to be born.  They need time for their lungs to develop, etc.

Also, if the babies are exposed to high sugar, their pancreas starts working faster to produce more insulin....and when they are born, the source of sugar from mom suddently stops, but their pancreas is still making insulin....and their blood sugar can go too low.  

Once they give your surrogate insulin, it will be alot easier to control the blood sugar.  Her doctor will also have her see a Dietician who will give her an individualized diet and will see her every couple of weeks to make sure her blood sugar stays under control and she doesn't gain too much weight too soon.  

When you hold those babies in your arms, it will all be worth it.  Enjoy them.  

[SarahB79]

In pregnancy they should generally try to keep them below 120 after meals.  So her's are slightly elevated, but by no means high.  The biggest problems for babies at her levels will be larger birth weights (not too shabby for twins), some stress, and after the babies are born their blood sugar could drop as they are used to making extra insulin as a result of her not making enough.  

Sounds like she is doing well... she is communicating very well with you and will do her best.  :-)