The thought of starting a family is potentially scary, even in the best of circumstances. People with type 1 diabetes have many concerns to keep in mind when considering starting a family.

The genetic factor

The JDRF, formerly the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, indicates that 80 percent of people who have type 1 diabetes have no family history of the disease. There is a slight increase in the risk of your baby having type 1 diabetes if one or both parents have the disease.

There are increased odds of the baby having type 1 diabetes if both parents have type 1 diabetes. The JDRF indicates that there is up to a 1 in 14 chance of the baby having type 1 diabetes.

A mother with type 1 diabetes who gives birth before age 25 has a 1 in 25 chance of passing type 1 diabetes to her child. Compare this to a 1 in 100 chance of passing type 1 diabetes to the child if she gives birth after the age of 25.

Those who develop diabetes before the age of 11 face a doubled risk of the baby having type 1 diabetes.

Mitigating the Risks

The goal for parents is to have a healthy baby. Take care of your health before you try to conceive a child. There are several ways to mitigate the risk of having a baby who also has type 1 diabetes.

Keep your A1C levels under control. The ADA recommends having an A1C of less than 6 if possible.

Consider using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or an insulin pump to regulate your blood glucose.

Discuss appropriate medications and supplements with your doctor before and during your pregnancy.

Ask your doctor and other members of your diabetes care team for suggestions.

There are no guarantees that keeping yourself healthy will prevent your baby from having type 1 diabetes. Parents that stay healthy improve the odds of having a healthy baby.