Morgantown, w.va. – Pregnancy brings many lifestyle changes, but it can also create risks and challenges for individuals with diabetes.
WVU Medicine Children’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine helps pregnant women like Daisy Green, 37, of Morgantown, navigate these risks and challenges through surveillance and expertise.
Greene went through a pregnancy while living with type 1 diabetes (T1D). During her first pregnancy with her daughter Zoe, she had pre-eclampsia. This is a hypertensive disorder that can occur during pregnancy and can be life-threatening in some cases. When she became pregnant with her second child, Enzo, she realized the importance of monitoring her own symptoms and taking action when something went wrong.
“I was diagnosed with T1D as a teenager and have lived with the disease for over 20 years. “I was scared because I was so scared,” Green said. I did.”
Hormonal fluctuations due to pregnancy can affect how the body processes insulin, and that effect can change rapidly.
Green was admitted to WVU Medicine Children’s at week 27 after becoming insulin resistant and diabetic ketoacidosis. She was also diagnosed with placenta previa. This is a condition in which the placenta attaches to the uterine wall near or lining the birth canal, which can lead to dangerous complications if the mother is allowed to give birth.
“Honestly, I laughed when the doctor said he’d be there until I gave birth,” Greene said. They wanted to make sure my son and I were healthy, but my health seemed to change from day to day.”
During her 75-day stay at WVU Medicine Children’s, Greene’s blood sugar levels and insulin requirements were monitored to ensure her and baby’s safety. In addition to her medical care, the WVU Medicine Children’s team took care of her as an individual.
“The doctors and staff have become like family. We shared pictures of our children and asked them what they did over the weekend. It was great that they checked on me, not just as a person, but as a person. I felt like I was there and it made me feel very special.”
Green says that despite the difficulties she faced when starting her family, it was worth it now that she has kids and is healthy.
“Don’t let diabetes rule you,” said Green. “You are in control of your diabetes. It was very stressful at first, but I decided to live my life. I was afraid of what would happen, and this sweet little thing I had so little. I waited 7 years to get the stuff. It was scary, but with the support of an amazing team, I am now in control of my blood sugar and my life.”
For more information on WVU Medicine Children’s, please visit: WVUKids.com.
