Q: I am suffering from juvenile diabetes from the age of 12. Presently I am 22 years of age. I am taking human insulin 30/70. Recently my doctor has suggested me to use pen insulin - human mixtard. I have not yet started this insulin. I am in love with a guy. He loves me very deeply too. We want to get married may be within two years or earlier. My query to you is whether I can have normal sex with him. Can I use birth control pills every day? We want to have at least one child. Will there be any complications in me and the child? What precautions and care should I take? Are there any chances for my child to get diabetes?

A:1. You can have normal sex after marriage. 2. Other forms of contraception like barrier contraception (condoms) are preferred in diabetic patients. Oral pills should be avoided. 3. To avoid any complications in you and child, before going for pregnancy blood sugar should be well controlled with normal HbA1c for at least 3 months and you should not have advanced diabetic complications, esp kidney and eye disease. During pregnancy Tight control of blood sugars is needed. 4. Chances of getting diabetes in your child will be higher than normal population but less as compared to type 2 diabetes. 5. Insulin pen devices are more comfortable to use and user friendly.