In a nutshell
This study assessed the potential benefits that using a continuous glucose monitoring device had for pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. The authors concluded that using the device improved maternal blood-sugar control and also reduced the likelihood of pregnancy and birth complications among mothers using the devices.
Some background
Women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have an increased likelihood of encountering complications during pregnancy. This is especially true if a patient's blood sugar levels are not kept within recommended ranges. Using a continous glucose monitoring (CGM) device may help control blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes. The extent of the effectiveness of the devices among pregnant women (or women trying to conceive), however, is unclear.
Methods & findings
This study assessed the potential benefits of using a CGM device to help prevent blood sugar associated pregnancy complications. All women recruited had T1D, were receiving insulin therapy and were either pregnant or trying to conceive. 161 women started using a CGM device to monitor their blood-sugar levels while 164 continued monitoring their blood-sugar levels as they had previously done.
At 34 weeks of pregnancy, pregnant patients using a CGM device had a slightly lower HbA1c (average blood glucose over 3 months). Moreover, these women more frequently reached their target blood sugar levels and spent less time in hyperglycemia (i.e. dangerously high blood sugar).
The health of these women's babies was also improved. Compared to babies of mothers not using CGM devices, babies born to mothers using the devices were 49% less likely to be overweight, 52% less likely to be admitted to intensive care at birth and were 55% less likely to experience hypoglycemia (i.e. dangerously low blood sugar).
Serious adverse events occurred in 7% of pregnant women using the device and in 5% of pregnant women not using the device. The most common of these adverse events was nausea and vomiting. Non-serious skin reactions also occurred in 48% of pregnant CGM patients.
Women planning to conceive did not experience any added benefit of using the CGM device before pregnancy.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that T1D patients using a CGM device during pregnancy had improved blood-sugar control and fewer pregnancy complications.
The fine print
Many women in this study were overweight and/or gained a lot of weight during pregnancy. These results therefore may not apply to women of normal weight or who only gain a moderate amount weight during pregnancy.
Published By :
Lancet (London, England)
Date :
Sep 14, 2017
