In part one of the three-part series, Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy: A Complete Guide for Women — Preconception to Postpartum, Jennifer Smith and Tavia Vital focus on preconception. They consider this to be the "missing trimester" that most women aren't coached through.

They cover building a care team, adjusting meds/supplements, tightening glucose targets safely, nutrition, screenings, as well as some of the biggest fears that women bring to this conversation.

MEET YOUR HOSTS:

Jennifer Smith, RD, LD, CDCES is the Director of Lifestyle and Nutrition for Integrated Diabetes Services. She is renowned for her expertise in nutrition, diabetes education, and athletic performance. Having lived with type 1 diabetes since childhood, Jennifer offers unique insight into day-to-day diabetes management, pregnancy, sports nutrition, and technology integration.

Tavia Vital BSN, BA, RN, CDCES is the Director of Intensive Diabetes Management for Integrated Diabetes Services. Tavia is a Registered Nurse, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Certified Trainer on most makes/models of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring systems. Having lived with type one diabetes for over 40 years, she understands that each person’s experiences and needs are unique.

KEY TAKEAWAYS AND HIGHLIGHTS:

✔️ Recommended timeline: start preconception conversations with your care team at least 6 months before trying to conceive.

✔️ Glucose target tightening should be gradual and stepwise, not a sudden jump to pregnancy-range targets.

✔️Folic acid: pregnancy with diabetes often calls for double the folic acid found in a standard prenatal. Please confirm with your healthcare provider.

✔️Having type 1 diabetes does not automatically mean a big baby or an induced/C-section delivery.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Part 1 of Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy

03:45 Setting the Stage for a Healthy Pregnancy

05:34 Tavia’s Preconception Experience

07:18 Planning for Pregnancy Months in Advance

12:50 Gradually Shifting Glucose Targets Before Pregnancy

17:32 Shifting Gears for an Unplanned Pregnancy

22:35 What to Know About Nutrition Before and After Conception

33:52 Pre-conception Screenings

38:37 De-Bunking Common Myths and Misconceptions

42:53 Recommended Resources

46:15 Coming up in Part 2 of the Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy Series

RESOURCES:

Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes: Your Month-to-Month Guide to Blood Sugar Management

The 100 Healthiest Foods to Eat During Pregnancy

Pregnancy with Type 1 Diabetes--The Book and The Authors

https://youtu.be/g2arb-bHSPg?si=Rk6gUmMdW5aOxDvl

What to expect with IVF. Why Standard Diabetes Care Isn't Enough for Fertility

https://youtu.be/gfceQ_1Q70Y

CONNECT WITH US:

🔵Website: integrateddiabetes.com

🔵 Follow on Social Media: @integrated_diabetes_services and @ integrateddiabetesservices on Facebook

🔵To work with the Integrated Diabetes Services Team , visit https://integrateddiabetes.com/appointments/ or email info@integrateddiabetes.com

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Disclaimer

The information contained in this program is based on the experience and opinions of the Integrated Diabetes Services clinical team. Please discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your personal healthcare provider before implementing.