 Researchers in Ireland have made a 'significant step forward' in the management of gestational diabetes, a condition that affects almost three million women worldwide every year. The trial, carried out at the University of Galway, indicates that metformin, an existing and widely-used treatment for type 2 diabetes, is a safe and effective alternative for managing gestational diabetes mellitus. Patients with the disorder typically have higher blood sugar levels during pregnancy. It has traditionally been managed through dietary advice and exercise, but where this is not successful, insulin is then introduced. However, this can lead to low sugars in both mother and baby, excess weight gain in mothers, higher caesarean rates and higher admissions into neonatal intensive care. Mothers with gestational diabetes also face a greater risk of high blood pressure and preeclampsia. The latest study involved 535 pregnant women, with 268 receiving metformin and 267 a placebo. During the trial, 98% of women remained in the trial until delivery, with 88% completing the 12-week post-delivery follow up assessment – 4.9% of women discontinued the medication due to side effects. It found that women assigned to metformin were 25% less likely to need insulin, and when insulin was necessary, it was started later in the pregnancy. The results also found that fasting and post-meal sugar values in the mother were significantly lower in the metformin group at weeks 32 and 38. Delivery occurred at the same mean gestational age – 39.1 weeks – in both groups, and there was no evidence of any increase in preterm birth – defined as birth before 37 weeks – among those who received metformin. Diabetes in all forms leads to an increase in blood sugar levels (Picture: Getty) Infants born to mothers who received metformin weighed, on average, 113g less at birth, with significantly fewer infants classified as large at birth, or w){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Researchers in Ireland have made a ‘significant step forward’ in the management of gestational diabetes, a condition that affects almost three million women worldwide every year.
The trial, carried out at the University of Galway, indicates that metformin, an existing and widely-used treatment for type 2 diabetes, is a safe and effective alternative for managing gestational diabetes mellitus.
Patients with the disorder typically have higher blood sugar levels during pregnancy. It has traditionally been managed through dietary advice and exercise, but where this is not successful, insulin is then introduced.
However, this can lead to low sugars in both mother and baby, excess weight gain in mothers, higher caesarean rates and higher admissions into neonatal intensive care.