DEALING WITH THE DIAGNOSIS

Four months after being diagnosed, I was still coming to grips with my condition, when I found out that I was 12 weeks pregnant.

My body took a while to adjust to the diabetic medication and was not working well with the contraceptive that I was taking. I thought that the irregular periods were due to the diabetes. There were also no signs or symptoms (as with my first pregnancy), which is why it took so long for me to realise that I was expecting.

HAVING FAITH AGAINST ALL ODDS

Upon finding

out

I was pregnant I was admitted to hospital. During this week in Groote Schuur Hospital, the professors did their rounds twice a week. On one occasion, the doctor did an HbA1c test to check my blood sugar at conception. She was not happy with the results.

She showed me lots of information and explained the risks for me and baby – birth defects, abnormalities and how babies of diabetic moms have difficulties in surviving. How, statistically, they do not make it past four months and that miscarriages are prevalent. I was given the option to abort, but had to decide straight away. I burst into tears. I had mixed emotions – anger at my dad and sadness because I was just starting to fall in love with my baby. I was shocked about the extreme risks involved, but I was also determined. I looked at her and said that I am not giving up this blessing. Shortly after that I phoned my husband. We were both devastated, but my husband also had unwavering faith that everything would be okay.

BATTLING TO CARRY ON NORMALLY

After the week in hospital, I was back at work. The changes in medication, diet and adjusting to the work environment was tough. Taking insulin four times a day at work was so difficult. I had constant sugar lows at my desk. There were times when I did not pack enough food for the day, then there were the highs which left me tired and dizzy. I had to force myself to eat. The nausea made everything more difficult. I could barely get an apple in. I also struggled to concentrate.

I had to go to the hospital once a week and getting the day off from work was