Living with Type-1 diabetes did not hinder Alynn Alejandrino, a 44-year old human resource professional and a mom of two, from embarking on her motherhood journey. She vividly recounts the day her children were born, knowing that she was eternally blessed the moment she first laid eyes on her precious ones. “The first time I heard my babies cry I received the most precious gifts in the world,” she shared.
Type 1 diabetes, or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition where the pancreas produces little to no insulin. According to the International Diabetes Federation, this is caused by the immune system attacking the cells hinder the production of insulin needed to regulate glucose levels.
“I was clinically diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes back in 2007. I was overwhelmed when my doctor informed me of my diagnosis but was resolute to regain my health,” Alynn narrated. It took me a year to gain better understand Type 1 diabetes and how it has affected my body. Awareness helped me manage my condition on a daily basis. Apart from monitoring my blood glucose levels, I had to be mindful of my diet, and engage in some physical activities. This awareness and understanding also helped when I was pregnant with my first child, as I knew I had to be extra careful to help the baby’s development,” she shared.
According to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevent (CDC), women who have type 1 diabetes can have a safe pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby. However, it’s essential to monitor complications such as high blood pressure, vision loss, and kidney disease that may worsen throughout pregnancy. The CDC also advised patients to keep their blood sugar level in check, as high blood sugar levels during pregnancy may harm the early development of the child’s organs and lead to birth defects3.
Today, Alynn has two healthy children. “The time we have with our kids is precious, that’s why I prioritize my health and wellness above all else so I can spend time and create more moments with them, “ she added.
To keep her glucose levels in check, Alynn embraced new technologies to help regulate and monitor her glucose easily and without pain.
“As we age, the ways to manage diabetes also evolve. I was consulting my doctor on how to effectively manage my glucose better, and he recommended Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre continuous glucose monitoring system,” Alynn said.
Again, the first step in managing Type 1 Diabetes is awareness. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) offers that with the ease and efficiency.
CGM is an innovative technology that frees those living with diabetes from the trouble of routine finger pricks, while giving them access to accurate and comprehensive glucose findings. Unlike traditional finger-pricking, CGM offers real-time glucose level data for patients with diabetes using a sensor and a reader.
Alynn said that CGM gave her more time for things that matter, while easing her worries in managing her condition. “Before I always schedule my finger-pricking sessions, now I can just scan continuously whenever I feel like checking my glucose levels – making it easier for me to implement lifestyle changes,” she said.
According to Alynn, being a working mother with Type 1 diabetes is not easy challenging, from lifestyle adjustments, work-related stress, to psychosocial issues such as increased levels of anxiety, but the added time she gets to spend with her children while keeping her health in check makes everything worthwhile.
“Living a full life for me is being clear and determined on what matters most- that for me is time with my family. My family will always be my biggest ‘why’, and I want to do everything in my capacity to be by their side,” Alynn ended.