vaginapagina | Diabetes and HBC

Hi there! I’m a type 1 diabetic (with no diabetic related complications) who is interested in getting on HBC in the next few months. I wanted to know if there was anyone here who is also diabetic and on HBC, and what their experience with it is. I’ve been researching different types and I know that estrogen can have an effect on raising blood sugar levels (as I’ve seen in my numbers before and during my period), but I wouldn’t think it would be too much of a problem. However, I’ve seen more than one type of HBC come with a warning for diabetes, such as the NuvaRing, so I’m wondering if there’s more to the precaution than it appears. I was specifically looking at the NuvaRing or a monophasic pill. Also, I’m looking to go to my gynecologist for this but should I go to my endocrinologist instead? My general doctor directed me to my GYN, but I’ve seen some websites say that you should consult your endo instead. I have a ridiculous amount of doctors so it gets confusing. Thanks for any advice you can offer!

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I wanted to go back on Birth control but was told by my endo and my gyno that birth control will effect my sugar levels. But be careful with being on birth control. My gyno suggested getting the diaphram or using the todays sponge and to stick with condoms. *sigh* She did tell me that once I decide to have kids, that I should seek a high risk ob/gyn.

Did they say how much HBC might raise your blood sugars? If it would cause a huge, dramatic rise or instability?

They didn't tell me anything really. They just told me that it would raise it. My endo told me it was ok to go on it anyways even though it would raise my sugar levels.

The reason I ask is, that's really my main conflict. Is it worth the risk of raising my blood sugar? I'm trying to figure out just how badly it could effect my numbers in the long run, and if they could be controlled again with a few changes in my insulin regime or if they'll just run wild all over the place. I'm actually in the process of getting a pump so I know I'll be going through a period of instability in my numbers anyway, so I guess it might not matter? Oh diabetes, you're so complicated haha.

haha I agree! Oh diabetes why do you have to be so complicated. You confuse me so. Good luck in what you do with the bc.

I forgot one other thing. Before your period and during, your #'s are going to be a bit high anyways

Wow... I had never heard of the pill affect diabetes before. Man, you guys get it rough. :-(
If you're worried about the effects of estrogen, then there are the progesterone only variations out there. They're a bit more user intensive, although I suppose Depo is the one big one that isn't. ;-)
Hrm... Personally, I would think that an endo is the way to go. They'd have a better idea as to how everything interacts, even if a gyno might know more brand names.

i don't have much to help you with, but i'm interested to hear what other people have to say. i was diagnosed with reactive hypoglycemia but didn't get much in terms of how to best take care of myself outside diet.

I've been type 1 since I was a kid, and have been on HBC for a good 5-6 years now, my sugars haven't been affected at all. I also have no complications. I saw my gp, endo, and obgyn before going on HBC to assess the pros and cons of HBC just incase my diabetes would be affected. All 3 said in some (1/8) women it can affect, and is rarely detrimental to their sugar levels, just requires better management, other then that I was set to go.

I'm also on "Diane" for your own reference.

It's controversial, but from what I've read the pros of HBC generally outweigh the risk of elevated blood sugar for most diabetic women. After all, pregnancy is riskier for women with diabetes.

If you have a good relationship with your endocrinologist, they might be the best place to start for an HBC prescription, simply because they would be more knowledgeable about diabetes.

Hey, I don't think you should worry too much - at least try it and see.
I've been Type 1 for 6 years, and on the pill for about a year and a half (Levlen ED - monophasic, basic PBS listed prescribed pill for all Aussie non-smokers) and though I was worried about it raising my sugars, nothing significant happened. They were elevated after I started it for other reasons, I asked my endo and he said the pill's effect on my BS would be negligible and that it wouldn't be causing significant elevation - sugars subsequently went back to normal after I got back to a normal diet. My most recent HBA1c was 6.7
I think the fact is that it's one of those relatively unlikely 'possibles' that doctors must warn everyone about for legal reasons, and in reality it's not so drastic.
Suck it and see. Good luck! xx

I've been type 1 for 10 years and on HBC for 4. I have never ever been told by any of my doctors that HBC would raise my bloodsugars and I've never had any kind of issue related to my diabetes while being on HBC.

I have a pump so I have fairly good control anyways. I use the nuvaring and I love it. I like that it has a lower dose of hormones and that I never have to think about it. It really has no effect on my bloodsugars, I can say for certain, nor does my bloodsugar run higher around my period as someone else suggested.

I think you do have to keep in mind that everyone's bodies will react differently, whether related to diabetes or not. If you're really worried have a chat with your endo before you try HBC.

Ooo, thank you! That's reassuring to hear.

Diabetes and HBC

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