A focused preconceptional and early pregnancy program in women with type 1 diabetes reduces perinatal mortality and malformation rates to general population levels

[Investigation of diabetic retinopathy progression in women with diabetes mellitus during pregnancy]

PURPOSE

The study evaluates the transient and stationary diabetic retinal changes in pregnant women with diabetes mellitus (DM) based on the analysis of individual clinical cases of diabetic retinopathy (DR) progression.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study examined 24 pregnant women with DM. The examination was carried out in each trimester of pregnancy and 6 months after delivery. In 10 pregnant women DR was not detected, and 14 (58%) were diagnosed with DR.

RESULTS

Progression of DR during pregnancy was observed in 9 patients with pre-proliferative and proliferative DR (PPDR and PDR) and uncompensated glycemia, 3 patients developed macular edema (ME) in both eyes. Panretinal laser coagulation (PRLC) was performed in patients with ongoing DR progression. In the postpartum period, the manifestations of DR did not regress. ME turned out to be transient in one patient with PPDR. Three clinical cases of DR manifesting in the first trimester of pregnancy are presented: PPDR with transient ME, PDR with ME, non-proliferative DR with a stable course.

CONCLUSION

1. DR detected at the beginning of gestation in women with decompensated glycemic status progressed in 64% of cases. 2. Progression of DR during pregnancy was noted in patients with PPDR and PDR. 3. Progression of DR during pregnancy is more often true than transient. 4. Detection of PPDR and PDR during pregnancy is a direct indication for laser coagulation of the retina.

15. Management of Diabetes in Pregnancy: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes-2022

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc22-SPPC), are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc22-SINT). Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.

Elevated Anthropometric and Metabolic Indicators among Young Adult Offspring of Mothers with Pregestational Diabetes: Early Results from the Transgenerational Effect on Adult Morbidity Study (the TEAM Study)

Exposure to maternal diabetes in utero increases the risk in the offspring for a range of metabolic disturbances. However, the timing and variability of in utero hyperglycemic exposure necessary to cause impairment have not been elucidated. The TEAM Study was initiated to evaluate young adult offspring of mothers with pregestational diabetes mellitus. This paper outlines the unique enrollment challenges of the TEAM Study and preliminary analysis of the association between exposure to diabetes in pregnancy and adverse metabolic outcomes. The TEAM Study enrolls offspring of women who participated in a Diabetes in Pregnancy (DiP) Program Project Grant between 1978 and 1995. The DiP Study collected medical and obstetric data across pregnancy. The first 96 eligible offspring of women with pregestational diabetes were age-, sex-, and race-matched to adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015-2016 with an OGTT. Descriptive and regression analyses were employed to compare TEAM participants to NHANES participants. Among a subset of TEAM participants, we compared the metabolic outcomes across maternal glucose profiles using a longitudinal data clustering technique that characterizes level and variability, in maternal glucose across pregnancy. By comparing categories of BMI, TEAM Study participants had over 2.0 times the odds of being obese compared to matched NHANES participants (for class III obesity, OR = 2.81; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15, 6.87). Increasing levels of two-hour glucose were also associated with in utero exposure to pregestational diabetes in matched analyses. Exposure to pregestational diabetes in utero may be associated with an increased risk of metabolic impairment in the offspring with clinical implications.

Time in Range in Pregnancy: Is There a Role?

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is being used with increasing frequency as an adjunct to self-monitoring of blood glucose in pregnancy, and novel targets based on CGM data are becoming standardized. This adoption of CGM is the result of its improving accuracy, patient preference, and evolving data demonstrating associations of novel targets such as time in range (TIR) with pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. A greater understanding of the relationship of various CGM metrics to outcomes in pregnancy complicated by diabetes is needed. It is clear that TIR parameters need to be uniquely lower for pregnant women than for nonpregnant individuals. CGM technology is also an integral part of hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery systems. These insulin delivery systems will be a significant advance in the management of diabetes during pregnancy if they can achieve the pre- and postprandial targets required for pregnancy and optimize TIR.

Flexible multivariate joint model of longitudinal intensity and binary process for medical monitoring of frequently collected data

A frequent problem in longitudinal studies is that data may be assessed at subject-selected, irregularly spaced time-points, resulting in highly unbalanced outcome data, inducing bias, especially if availability of data is directly related to outcome. Our aim was to develop a multivariate joint model in a mixed outcomes framework to minimize irregular sampling bias. We demonstrate using blood glucose monitoring throughout pregnancy and risk of preterm birth among women with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Blood glucose measurements were unequally spaced and intensity of sampling varied between and within individuals over time. Multivariate linear mixed effects submodel for the longitudinal outcome (blood glucose), Poisson model for the intensity of glucose sampling, and logistic regression model for binary process (preterm birth) were specified. Association between models is captured through shared random effects. Markov chain Monte Carlo methods were used to fit the model. The multivariate joint model provided better prediction, compared with a joint model with a multivariate linear mixed effects submodel (ignoring intensity of glucose sampling) and a two-stage model. Most association parameters were significant in the preterm birth outcome model, signifying improvement of predictive ability of the binary endpoint by sharing random effects between glucose monitoring and preterm birth. A simulation study is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the multivariate joint modeling approach.

Pre-Gestational Diabetes and Pregnancy Outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Pre-gestational, type 1 and type 2 diabetes are associated with adverse neonatal outcomes and increased rates of emergency caesarean sections.

METHODS

We studied pregnancy outcomes associated with pre-gestational diabetes in 174 women who attended the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin, Ireland, between 2015 and 2017.

RESULTS

Fifty women (28.6%) had type 2 diabetes mellitus, and 124 women (71.4%) had type 1 diabetes mellitus. Women with type 2 diabetes mellitus were older (36 vs. 34 years, p 0.02) and had a higher BMI (32.6 vs. 26.2 kg/m², p 0.00). Duration of diabetes mellitus in type 1 and type 2 was 15.7 and 5.7 years, respectively, and mean HbA1c in type 2 diabetes mellitus at booking was 44.5 mmol/mol (6.2%) and in type 1 diabetes mellitus was 56.3 mmol/mol (7.3%). Forty women (32%) with type 1 diabetes mellitus used continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion. In our cohort, 45.4% had a caesarean delivery. Offspring of patients with multiple dose injections were lighter (3.58 kg) than infants of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion-treated patients (3.75 kg). More emergency caesarean sections were observed in the continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion group than in the group treated with multiple dose injections (37.5% vs. 28.5%), while the elective caesarean section rate was higher in the multiple dose injection group (17.8% vs. 12.5%). Women treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion had a higher rate of miscarriage (25% vs. 19%) with more congenital malformations (10% vs. 2.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Women in our study with pre-gestational diabetes were overweight, were older and had long-standing diabetes mellitus. Our patients with type 2 diabetes had a higher BMI, were older, had a shorter duration of diabetes mellitus and had better diabetes control compared to women with type 1 diabetes. Women treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion had a higher rate of miscarriage with more congenital malformations. The initial inadequate diabetes control was significantly improved during pregnancy.

Pregnancy outcomes in women with onset of type 1 diabetes mellitus less than 18 years of age

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations, obstetric complications and neonatal morbidity. This study aims to investigate maternal, perinatal and neonatal outcomes of pregnancies in women with onset of T1DM less than 18 years of age.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study extracted data regarding prenatal, intrapartum and postnatal outcomes of pregnancies in women with onset of T1DM<18 years identified from the diabetes in pregnancy register at University Maternity Hospital Limerick, treated from July 1, 2007 to July 1, 2017.

RESULTS

Seventeen women with onset of T1DM <18 years gave birth to 23 live infants during the period studied. 73.9% of pregnancies were unplanned. Only 21.7% of pregnancies took preconceptual folic acid. 60.9% of infants required treatment for hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSION

The high prevalence of unplanned pregnancy and poor uptake of prepregnancy care must be improved on in order to improve outcomes for this high-risk group.

Assessing the Relationship between Gestational Glycemic Control and Risk of Preterm Birth in Women with Type 1 Diabetes: A Joint Modeling Approach

BACKGROUND

Characterizing maternal glucose sampling over the course of the entire pregnancy is an important step toward improvement in prediction of adverse birth outcome, such as preterm birth, for women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the relationship between the gestational glycemic profile and risk of preterm birth using a joint modeling approach.

METHODS

A joint model was developed to simultaneously characterize the relationship between a longitudinal outcome (daily blood glucose sampling) and an event process (preterm birth). A linear mixed effects model using natural cubic splines was fitted to predict the longitudinal submodel. Covariates included mother's age at last menstrual period, age at diabetes onset, body mass index, hypertension, retinopathy, and nephropathy. Various association structures (value, value plus slope, and area under the curve) were examined before selecting the final joint model. We compared the joint modeling approach to the time-dependent Cox model (TDCM).

RESULTS

A total of 16,480 glucose readings over gestation (range: 50-260 days) with 32 women (28%) having preterm birth was included in the study. Mother's age at last menstrual period and age at diabetes onset were statistically significant (beta = 1.29, 95% CI 1.10, 1.72; beta = 0.84, 95% CI 0.62, 0.98) for the longitudinal submodel, reflecting that older women tended to have higher mean blood glucose and those with later diabetes onset tended to have a lower mean blood glucose level. The presence of nephropathy was statistically significant in the event submodel (beta = 2.29, 95% CI 1.05, 4.48). Cumulative association parameterization provided the best joint model fit. The joint model provided better fit compared to the time-dependent Cox model (DIC (JM) = 19,895; DIC (TDCM) = 19,932).

CONCLUSION

The joint model approach was able to simultaneously characterize the glycemic profile and assess the risk of preterm birth and provided additional insights and a better model fit compared to the time-dependent Cox model.

Pregnancy decisions after fetal or perinatal death: systematic review of qualitative research

OBJECTIVES

To synthesise the findings of qualitative research exploring parents' experiences, views and decisions about becoming pregnant following a perinatal death or fetal loss.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative research.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ASSIA, Embase, PUBMED, Scopus and Google Scholar.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Nine electronic databases were searched using predefined search terms. Articles published in English, in peer-reviewed journals, using qualitative methods to explore the experiences and attitudes of bereaved parents following perinatal or fetal loss, were included.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Qualitative data relating to first-order and second-order constructs were extracted and synthesised across studies using a thematic analysis.

RESULTS

15 studies were included. Four descriptive themes and 10 subthemes were identified. The descriptive themes were: deciding about subsequent pregnancy, diversity of reactions to the event, social network influences, and planning or timing of subsequent pregnancy. The decision to become pregnant after death is complex and varies between individuals and sometimes within couples. Decisions are often made quickly, in the immediate aftermath of a pregnancy loss, but may evolve over time. Bereaved parents may feel isolated from social networks.

CONCLUSIONS

There is an opportunity to support parents to prepare for a pregnancy after a fetal or perinatal loss, and conversations may be welcomed at an early stage. Health professionals may play an important role providing support lacking from usual social networks.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42018112839.

"Diabetes Just Tends to Take Over Everything": Experiences of Support and Barriers to Diabetes Management for Pregnancy in Women With Type 1 Diabetes

To optimize clinical outcomes, women with type 1 diabetes are advised to consistently achieve blood glucose levels in their target range before becoming pregnant. However, following this recommendation can be clinically and psychologically challenging for patients. We explored women's experiences of pregnancy-related diabetes management and any barriers and support systems affecting their self-management. Fifteen semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with a nationwide sample. Interviews focused on women's perceptions of barriers hindering pregnancy-related diabetes management and support systems facilitating their self-management. Audio recordings were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results indicated significant impairment of psychological health and overall quality of life in women with type 1 diabetes who were pregnant or planning pregnancy. Most participants reported a lack of support and empathetic engagement from their health care team, which affected their clinical management. Guilt and concerns about high blood glucose levels, constant pressure to meet glucose targets, and difficult interactions with health care professionals were a few of the primary themes with regard to barriers to optimal management. Patient-centered programs that provide effective clinical and psychosocial support for women who are preparing for pregnancy with preexisting diabetes are urgently needed so that these women feel adequately supported and empowered to undertake pregnancy.

Maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnant women with type 1 diabetes, a national population study

Pregnancy in women with type 1 diabetes is associated with poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. However, the risk of these outcomes has never been evaluated in an Asian national population. In this work, we report the maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnant women with type 1 diabetes in Taiwan. A total of 2,350,339 pregnancy records created between 2001 and 2012 were obtained from the National Health Insurance database and analyzed. Here, 630 pregnancy records were identified in women having type 1 diabetes. Compared with pregnant women without type 1 diabetes, pregnant women with the disease showed increased risk of multiple adverse outcomes, including preeclampsia, eclampsia, cesarean delivery, adult respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary edema, sepsis, chorioamnionitis, pregnancy-related hypertension, puerperal cerebrovascular disorders, acute renal failure, and shock. Fetuses of type 1 diabetic mothers were at increased risk of stillbirth, premature birth, large for gestational age, low birth weight, and low Apgar score. Of the studied endpoints, only preeclampsia showed an improvement in the late period (2011–2012) when compared with the early period (2001–2010). These findings reveal that pregnant women with type 1 diabetes are at significantly increased risk of developing many adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Therefore, pregnancy outcomes in women with type 1 diabetes should be improved.

A core outcome set for studies evaluating the effectiveness of prepregnancy care for women with pregestational diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this study was to develop a core outcome set (COS) for trials and other studies evaluating the effectiveness of prepregnancy care for women with pregestational (pre-existing) diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was completed to identify all outcomes reported in prior studies in this area. Key stakeholders then prioritised these outcomes using a Delphi study. The list of outcomes included in the final COS were finalised at a face-to-face consensus meeting.

RESULTS

In total, 17 outcomes were selected and agreed on for inclusion in the final COS. These outcomes were grouped under three domains: measures of pregnancy preparation (n = 9), neonatal outcomes (n = 6) and maternal outcomes (n = 2).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

This study identified a COS essential for studies evaluating prepregnancy care for women with pregestational diabetes. It is advocated that all trials and other non-randomised studies and audits in this area use this COS with the aim of improving transparency and the ability to compare and combine future studies with greater ease.

Glycemic Excursions in Type 1 Diabetes in Pregnancy: A Semiparametric Statistical Approach to Identify Sensitive Time Points during Gestation

Aim. To examine the gestational glycemic profile and identify specific times during pregnancy that variability in glucose levels, measured by change in velocity and acceleration/deceleration of blood glucose fluctuations, is associated with delivery of a large-for-gestational-age (LGA) baby, in women with type 1 diabetes. Methods. Retrospective analysis of capillary blood glucose levels measured multiple times daily throughout gestation in women with type 1 diabetes was performed using semiparametric mixed models. Results. Velocity and acceleration/deceleration in glucose levels varied across gestation regardless of delivery outcome. Compared to women delivering LGA babies, those delivering babies appropriate for gestational age exhibited significantly smaller rates of change and less variation in glucose levels between 180 days of gestation and birth. Conclusions. Use of innovative statistical methods enabled detection of gestational intervals in which blood glucose fluctuation parameters might influence the likelihood of delivering LGA baby in mothers with type 1 diabetes. Understanding dynamics and being able to visualize gestational changes in blood glucose are a potentially useful tool to assist care providers in determining the optimal timing to initiate continuous glucose monitoring.

The experiences of prepregnancy care for women with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-synthesis

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is one of the most common medical conditions affecting pregnancy and is associated with a number of adverse fetal, infant, and maternal outcomes. These adverse outcomes can be avoided or minimized with appropriate prepregnancy care (PPC). However, the uptake of PPC is limited in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The reasons for poor uptake are multifactorial, reflecting both women's understanding of pregnancy risks, and limitations in care delivery.

METHODS

A systematic literature review with meta-synthesis was undertaken to identify qualitative studies exploring experiences of PPC for women with T2DM incorporating the views of women with T2DM and health care professionals (HCPs). Identified studies included were synthesized in a meta-ethnography to develop an understanding of the elements contributing to the uptake of PPC among women with T2DM.

RESULTS

The systematic review identified seven studies yielding data from 28 women with T2DM and 83 HCPs. The following six third-order constructs were identified from the synthesis: understanding PPC, emotive catalysts, beliefs about reproduction among women with T2DM, relationships and social factors, HCP behaviors and perspectives, and health care system factors. These constructs were used to develop a multifactorial model expressing the interactive issues that shape the reproductive health-seeking behaviors of women with T2DM to identify potential areas for intervention.

CONCLUSION

The uptake of PPC among women with T2DM seems to be informed by their personal orientation to their reproductive needs, their interactions with HCPs, and system-level influences. Future interventions to enhance PPC uptake need to address these underlying issues.

Longitudinal Patterns of Glycemic Control and Blood Pressure in Pregnant Women with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Phenotypes from Functional Data Analysis

Objective To identify phenotypes of type 1 diabetes control and associations with maternal/neonatal characteristics based on blood pressure (BP), glucose, and insulin curves during gestation, using a novel functional data analysis approach that accounts for sparse longitudinal patterns of medical monitoring during pregnancy. Methods We performed a retrospective longitudinal cohort study of women with type 1 diabetes whose BP, glucose, and insulin requirements were monitored throughout gestation as part of a program-project grant. Scores from sparse functional principal component analysis (fPCA) were used to classify gestational profiles according to the degree of control for each monitored measure. Phenotypes created using fPCA were compared with respect to maternal and neonatal characteristics and outcome. Results Most of the gestational profile variation in the monitored measures was explained by the first principal component (82-94%). Profiles clustered into three subgroups of high, moderate, or low heterogeneity, relative to the overall mean response. Phenotypes were associated with baseline characteristics, longitudinal changes in glycohemoglobin A1 and weight, and to pregnancy-related outcomes. Conclusion Three distinct longitudinal patterns of glucose, insulin, and BP control were found. By identifying these phenotypes, interventions can be targeted for subgroups at highest risk for compromised outcome, to optimize diabetes management during pregnancy.

Reproductive Life Planning and Preconception Care 2015: Attitudes of English-Speaking Family Planning Patients

BACKGROUND

Reproductive life planning has become an essential element in programs designed to promote preconceptional care and increase utilization of effective contraceptive methods. This study sought to determine if women have reproductive life plans and what they think women should do to prepare for pregnancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Indigent English-speaking women in a family planning clinic were asked individually about their reproductive life plans, preparations needed for pregnancy, and the relative health risks of pregnancy compared to oral contraceptives.

RESULTS

Of the 250 women interviewed, only 53% were confident how many pregnancies they wanted in their lifetime; 46.3% were confident about when they desired their next pregnancy. Although virtually all agreed that women should plan and prepare for pregnancy, only 25.8% of women mentioned that any medical preparations were necessary before pregnancy. Women's choice of contraception did not match their pregnancy intentions. Over 60% of women thought that the pill was at least as hazardous to a woman's health as pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, many English-speaking women had no distinct reproductive life plans. Most did not think that medical preparations are needed before pregnancy. New approaches may be useful to more productively identify women who need individualized counseling, preconception care, and/or more effective contraceptive methods.

Receipt of preconception care among women with prepregnancy and gestational diabetes

AIMS

To determine the extent of provision of preconception care among women with prepregnancy diabetes or women who develop gestational diabetes compared with women without diabetes and to examine the association between preconception care receipt and diabetes status, adjusting for maternal characteristics.

METHODS

Data were collected from women who completed the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System questionnaire in 10 U.S. states (Hawaii, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, Utah and West Virginia) in the period 2009 to 2010. Weighted, self-reported receipt of preconception care by diabetes status was examined. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the association between preconception care receipt and diabetes status.

RESULTS

Overall, 31% of women reported receiving preconception care. Women with prepregnancy diabetes (53%) reported the highest prevalence of preconception care, while women with gestational diabetes and women without diabetes reported a lower prevalence (32 and 31%, respectively). In the adjusted model, there was no difference in reported preconception care receipt between women with gestational diabetes and women without diabetes (odds ratio 1.1, 95% CI 0.9, 1.3), while women with prepregnancy diabetes were significantly more likely to report receipt of preconception care (odds ratio 2.2, 95% CI 1.5, 3.3) than women without diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Although all women of reproductive age should receive preconception care, it is vital that women with known risk factors, such as those with prepregnancy diabetes and with risk factors for gestational diabetes, are counselled before pregnancy to optimize maternal and infant health outcomes. It is encouraging that women with prepregnancy diabetes report receiving preconception care more often than women on average, but preconception care is still not reaching all women at high risk.

Preconception care: screening and management of chronic disease and promoting psychological health

INTRODUCTION

A large proportion of women around the world suffer from chronic diseases including mental health diseases. In the United States alone, over 12% of women of reproductive age suffer from a chronic medical condition, especially diabetes and hypertension. Chronic diseases significantly increase the odds for poor maternal and newborn outcomes in pregnant women.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence was conducted to ascertain the possible impact of preconception care for preventing and managing chronic diseases and promoting psychological health on maternal, newborn and child health outcomes. A comprehensive strategy was used to search electronic reference libraries, and both observational and clinical controlled trials were included. Cross-referencing and a separate search strategy for each preconception risk and intervention ensured wider study capture.

RESULTS

Maternal prepregnancy diabetic care is a significant intervention that reduces the occurrence of congenital malformations by 70% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 59-78%) and perinatal mortality by 69% (95% CI: 47-81%). Furthermore, preconception management of epilepsy and phenylketonuria are essential and can optimize maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes if given before conception. Ideally changes in antiepileptic drug therapy should be made at least 6 months before planned conception. Interventions specifically targeting women of reproductive age suffering from a psychiatric condition show that group-counseling and interventions leading to empowerment of women have reported non-significant reduction in depression (economic skill building: Mean Difference (MD) -7.53; 95% CI: -17.24, 2.18; counseling: MD-2.92; 95% CI: -13.17, 7.33).

CONCLUSION

While prevention and management of the chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, through counseling, and other dietary and pharmacological intervention, is important, delivering solutions to prevent and respond to women's psychological health problems are urgently needed to combat this leading cause of morbidity.

Preconception care: delivery strategies and packages for care

The notion of preconception care aims to target the existing risks before pregnancy, whereby resources may be used to improve reproductive health and optimize knowledge before conceiving. The preconception period provides an opportunity to intervene earlier to optimize the health of potential mothers (and fathers) and to prevent harmful exposures from affecting the developing fetus. These interventions include birth spacing and preventing teenage pregnancy, promotion of contraceptive use, optimization of weight and micronutrient status, prevention and management of infectious diseases, and screening for and managing chronic conditions. Given existing interventions and the need to organize services to optimize delivery of care in a logical and effective manner, interventions are frequently co-packaged or bundled together. This paper highlights packages of preconception interventions that can be combined and co-delivered to women through various delivery channels and provides a logical framework for development of such packages in varying contexts.

Receipt of prescription contraception by commercially insured women with chronic medical conditions

OBJECTIVE

To assess differences in receipt of prescription contraception among women with and without chronic medical conditions.

METHODS

This observational study used 3 years of administrative claims records for insured women aged 21-45 years who were enrolled in a commercial insurance company in Michigan between 2004 and 2009. Women were considered to have a chronic medical condition if they had at least two claims for one of the following conditions, in order of prevalence in our study population: hypertension, asthma, hypothyroidism, diabetes, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or systemic lupus erythematosus. Our primary outcome was receipt of prescription contraception, defined by a pharmacy claim or diagnostic or procedural code. We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate the association of chronic condition status with the odds of receiving prescription contraception within 3 years adjusting for age, community-level socioeconomic status, total outpatient visits, and cervical cancer screening.

RESULTS

Of 11,649 women studied, 16.0% (n=1,862) had at least one of the chronic conditions we considered. Of those with a chronic condition, 33.5% (n=623) received prescription contraception during the 3-year study period compared with 41.1% (n=4,018) of those without a chronic condition (P<.001). After adjusting for covariates, women with a chronic condition remained less likely than women without a chronic condition to have received prescription contraception (adjusted odds ratio 0.85, 95% confidence interval 0.76-0.96, P=.010).

CONCLUSION

Despite a greater risk for adverse outcomes with an unplanned pregnancy, women with these chronic conditions were less likely to receive prescription contraception.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Risk of birth defects associated with maternal pregestational diabetes

Maternal diabetes preceding pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects in the offspring, but not all studies confirm this association, which has shown considerable variation over time, and the effect of having type 1 versus type 2 diabetes is unclear. We conducted a population-based cohort study in the Northern Italy Emilia-Romagna region linking administrative databases with a Birth Defects Registry. From hospital discharge records we identified all diabetic pregnancies during 1997-2010, and a population of non-diabetic parturients matched for age, residence, year and delivery hospital. We collected available information on education, smoking and drug prescriptions, from which we inferred the type of diabetes. We found 62 malformed infants out of 2,269 births among diabetic women, and 162 out of 10,648 births among non-diabetic women. The age-standardized prevalence ratio (PR) of malformation associated with maternal pregestational diabetes was 1.79 (95 % confidence interval 1.34-2.39), a value that varied little by age. Type of diabetes strongly influenced the PR, with higher values related to type 2 diabetic women. Most major subgroups of anomalies had PRs above 1, including cardiovascular, genitourinary, musculoskeletal, and chromosomal abnormalities. There was an unusually high PR for the rare defect 'extra-ribs', but it was based on only two cases. This study indicates that maternal pregestational type 2 diabetes is associated with a higher prevalence of specific birth defects in offspring, whereas for type 1 diabetic mothers, particularly in recent years, the association was unremarkable.

Pre-existing diabetes, maternal glycated haemoglobin, and the risks of fetal and infant death: a population-based study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Pre-existing diabetes is associated with an increased risk of stillbirth, but few studies have excluded the effect of congenital anomalies. This study used data from a long-standing population-based survey of women with pre-existing diabetes to investigate the risks of fetal and infant death and quantify the contribution of glycaemic control.

METHODS

All normally formed singleton offspring of women with pre-existing diabetes (1,206 with type 1 diabetes and 342 with type 2 diabetes) in the North of England during 1996-2008 were identified from the Northern Diabetes in Pregnancy Survey. RRs of fetal death (≥20 weeks of gestation) and infant death were estimated by comparison with population data from the Northern Perinatal Morbidity and Mortality Survey. Predictors of fetal and infant death in women with pre-existing diabetes were examined by logistic regression.

RESULTS

The prevalence of fetal death in women with diabetes was over four times greater than in those without (RR 4.56 [95% CI 3.42, 6.07], p < 0.0001), and for infant death it was nearly doubled (RR 1.86 [95% CI 1.00, 3.46], p = 0.046). There was no difference in the prevalence of fetal death (p = 0.51) or infant death (p = 0.70) between women with type 1 diabetes and women with type 2 diabetes. There was no evidence that the RR of fetal and infant death had changed over time (p = 0.95). Increasing periconception HbA1c concentration above 49 mmol/mol (6.6%) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.02 [95% CI 1.00, 1.04], p = 0.01), prepregnancy retinopathy (aOR 2.05 [95% CI 1.04, 4.05], p = 0.04) and lack of prepregnancy folic acid consumption (aOR 2.52 [95% CI 1.12, 5.65], p = 0.03) were all independently associated with increased odds of fetal and infant death.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Pre-existing diabetes is associated with a substantially increased risk of fetal and infant death in normally formed offspring, the effect of which is largely moderated by glycaemic control.

Type 1 diabetes, diabetic nephropathy, and pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-study

BACKGROUND

In the last decade, significant improvements have been achieved in maternal-fetal and diabetic care which make pregnancy possible in an increasing number of type 1 diabetic women with end-organ damage. Optimal counseling is important to make the advancements available to the relevant patients and to ensure the safety of mother and child. A systematic review will help to provide a survey of the available methods and to promote optimal counseling.

OBJECTIVES

To review the literature on diabetic nephropathy and pregnancy in type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were scanned in November 2012 (MESH, Emtree, and free terms on pregnancy and diabetic nephropathy). Studies were selected that report on pregnancy outcomes in type 1 diabetic patients with diabetic nephropathy in 1980-2012 (i.e. since the detection of microalbuminuria). Case reports with less than 5 cases and reports on kidney grafts were excluded. Paper selection and data extraction were performed in duplicate and matched for consistency. As the relevant reports were highly heterogeneous, we decided to perform a narrative review, with discussions oriented towards the period of publication.

RESULTS

Of the 1058 references considered, 34 fulfilled the selection criteria, and one was added from reference lists. The number of cases considered in the reports, which generally involved single-center studies, ranged from 5 to 311. The following issues were significant: (i) the evidence is scattered over many reports of differing format and involving small series (only 2 included over 100 patients), (ii) definitions are non-homogeneous, (iii) risks for pregnancy-related adverse events are increased (preterm delivery, caesarean section, perinatal death, and stillbirth) and do not substantially change over time, except for stillbirth (from over 10% to about 5%), (iv) the increase in risks with nephropathy progression needs confirmation in large homogeneous series, (v) the newly reported increase in malformations in diabetic nephropathy underlines the need for further studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The heterogeneous evidence from studies on diabetic nephropathy in pregnancy emphasizes the need for further perspective studies on this issue.

Postpregnancy glycemic control and weight changes in type 1 diabetic women

OBJECTIVE

Pregnancy in type 1 diabetes requires excellent glycemic control. Most pregnant type 1 diabetic women achieve normoglycemia; however, there is scarce data on their postdelivery characteristics. We aimed to examine postpregnancy glycemic control and weight changes in type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We identified and followed (median 20 months) 254 women with singleton pregnancies receiving postdelivery medical care at a single institution.

RESULTS

Study subjects were 28.3 ± 4.7 years of age (mean ± SD), with a diabetes duration of 12.0 ± 7.7 years. Mean A1C before conception was 6.9 ± 1.4%, and preconception weight and BMI were 64.4 ± 10.0 kg and 23.9 ± 3.3 kg/m(2), respectively. Mean A1C decreased during pregnancy, reaching 5.7 ± 0.8% in the third trimester. We observed a mean weight gain of 14.4 ± 6.5 kg during pregnancy. Within 6 months after delivery, A1C increased by 0.8% (P < 0.0001) compared with the last trimester, and body weight and BMI were 4.4 kg and 2.5 kg/m(2) higher (P < 0.0001) compared with the preconception baseline. A1C further deteriorated by 0.8% until the end of follow-up. For women in the "pregnancy planning" program (n = 117), A1C >12 months after delivery was worse compared with before conception (7.1 vs. 6.5%, P = 0.0018), whereas in women with unplanned pregnancies, it was similar to the pregestational levels (7.3 vs.7.4%, P = 0.59). Weight and BMI in the entire study group did not return to prepregnancy levels and were 2.5 kg (P = 0.0079) and 0.9 kg/m(2) higher (P = 0.0058).

CONCLUSIONS

In this clinical observation, type 1 diabetic women showed postpregnancy deterioration in glycemic control and were unable to return to prepregnancy weight. Type 1 diabetic women seem to require special attention after delivery to meet therapeutic targets.

Insulin pump therapy for pregnancy: a primer

Current knowledge and advances in insulin formulations, insulin pump technology, and blood glucose monitoring techniques have improved practitioners' ability to achieve diabetic people's blood glucose targets. Practitioners and pregnant women should bear in mind that important differences exist in glucose metabolism during pregnancy and require a different approach from non-pregnant people to avoid pregnant women's experience being adversely affected. Insulin pump therapy, if used skillfully by practitioners and their pregnant patients, can be especially beneficial for some diabetic women during their pregnancies. Women's healthcare practitioners should endeavor to be familiar with this therapy, even if they are not experts in its full complexity.

Fetal development in women with diabetes: imprinting for a life-time?

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that fetal exposure to a hyperglycemic intrauterine environment in women with type 1 diabetes is associated with asymmetrically distributed excessive fetal growth and imprinting consistent with adverse health issues later in life.

METHODS

We report findings from a feasibility study on 19 young adults, born to mothers with type 1 diabetes. Long-term follow-up of the offspring in young adulthood included: oral glucose tolerance test, body mass index (BMI), dual X-ray absorptiometry, and blood pressure (BP). We report z-BMI and z-BP to account for varying gender and age.

RESULTS

The young adults born to women with diabetes averaged 19.9 years at follow-up; 37% were female, and 21% African American. Maternal glycohemoglobin A(1) concentration in the 2nd trimester was 9.2% for offspring born with asymmetric LGA and 7.5% for those born with symmetric LGA or AGA. There was significant correlation between maternal glucose control during pregnancy and fasting glucose, z-BMI and z-systolic BP in the young adults.

CONCLUSION

The hyperglycemic intrauterine environment is associated with short-term morbidity, manifested as asymmetric LGA (the "fat" baby). In addition, increasing level of maternal hyperglycemia during pregnancy is associated with increased adiposity and elevated fasting glucose in the young adult offspring.

Effect of screening and management of diabetes during pregnancy on stillbirths

BACKGROUND

Diabetes during pregnancy is associated with significant risk of complications to the mother, fetus and newborn. We reviewed the potential impact of early detection and control of diabetes mellitus during pregnancy on stillbirths for possible inclusion in the Lives Saved Tool (LiST).

METHODS

A systematic literature search up to July 2010 was done to identify all published randomized controlled trials and observational studies. A standardized data abstraction sheet was employed and data were abstracted by two independent authors. Meta-analyses were performed with different sub-group analyses. The analyses were graded according to the CHERG rules using the adapted GRADE criteria and recommendations made after assessing the overall quality of the studies included in the meta-analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 70 studies were selected for data extraction including fourteen intervention studies and fifty six observational studies. No randomized controlled trials were identified evaluating early detection of diabetes mellitus in pregnancy versus standard screening (glucose challenge test between 24th to 28th week of gestation) in pregnancy. Intensive management of gestational diabetes (including specialized dietary advice, increased monitoring and tailored dietary therapy) during pregnancy (3 studies: 3791 participants) versus conventional management (dietary advice and insulin as required) was associated with a non-significant reduction in the risk of stillbirths (RR 0.20; 95% CI: 0.03-1.10) ('moderate' quality evidence). Optimal control of serum blood glucose versus sub-optimal control was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of perinatal mortality (2 studies, 5286 participants: RR = 0.40, 95% CI 0.25- 0.63), but not stillbirths (3 studies, 2469 participants: RR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.14-1.88). Preconception care of diabetes (information about need for optimization of glycemic control before pregnancy, assessment of diabetes complications, review of dietary habits, intensification of capillary blood glucose self-monitoring and optimization of insulin therapy) versus none (3 studies: 910 participants) was associated with a reduction in perinatal mortality (RR = 0.29, 95% CI 0.14 -0.60). Using the Delphi process for estimating effect size of optimal diabetes recognition and management yielded a median effect size of 10% reduction in stillbirths.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes, especially pre-gestational diabetes with its attendant vascular complications, is a significant risk factor for stillbirth and perinatal death. Our review highlights the fact that very few studies of adequate quality are available that can provide estimates of the effect of screening for aid management of diabetes in pregnancy on stillbirth risk. Using the Delphi process we recommend a conservative 10% reduction in the risk of stillbirths, as a point estimate for inclusion in the LiST.

One-hour post-glucola results and pre-pregnancy body mass index are associated with the need for insulin therapy in women with gestational diabetes

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship of 1-h post-glucola (PG) screening results and the need for insulin therapy in women with gestational diabetes (GDM).

METHODS

The study group was comprised of women with GDM treated at a single institution during calendar years 2000-2004. Women with singleton, term (≥ 37 weeks gestation), liveborn fetuses were included. The association of 1-h PG results and other perinatal risk factors to the need for subsequent insulin therapy was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Of the 1451 women were included in the analysis, 18.1% required insulin treatment. The mean 1-h PG result was 170.0 ± 26.1 mg/dl (range 140-414 mg/dl). We determined that a 1-h PG ≥ 190 mg/dl (p < 0.0001), an obese body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.0001), an overweight BMI (p = 0.0019), prior GDM (p = 0.0019), and prior macrosomia (p = 0.0210) were each highly associated with the need for subsequent insulin therapy during the pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

A 1-h PG ≥ 190 mg/dl was strongly associated with the need for insulin therapy in women with GDM. These data may be helpful in counseling and managing women with GDM.

Hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetic pregnancy: role of preconception insulin aspart treatment in a randomized study

OBJECTIVE A recent randomized trial compared prandial insulin aspart (IAsp) with human insulin in type 1 diabetic pregnancy. The aim of this exploratory analysis was to investigate the incidence of severe hypoglycemia during pregnancy and compare women enrolled preconception with women enrolled during early pregnancy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS IAsp administered immediately before each meal was compared with human insulin administered 30 min before each meal in 99 subjects (44 to IAsp and 55 to human insulin) randomly assigned preconception and in 223 subjects (113 for IAsp and 110 for human insulin) randomly assigned in early pregnancy (<10 weeks). NPH insulin was the basal insulin. Severe hypoglycemia (requiring third-party assistance) was recorded prospectively preconception (where possible), during pregnancy, and postpartum. Relative risk (RR) of severe hypoglycemia was evaluated with a gamma frailty model. RESULTS Of the patients, 23% experienced severe hypoglycemia during pregnancy with the peak incidence in early pregnancy. In the first half of pregnancy, the RR of severe hypoglycemia in women randomly assigned in early pregnancy/preconception was 1.70 (95% CI 0.91-3.18, P = 0.097); the RR in the second half of pregnancy was 1.35 (0.38-4.77, P = 0.640). In women randomly assigned preconception, severe hypoglycemia rates occurring before and during the first and second halves of pregnancy and postpartum for IAsp versus human insulin were 0.9 versus 2.4, 0.9 versus 2.4, 0.3 versus 1.2, and 0.2 versus 2.2 episodes per patient per year, respectively (NS). CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that initiation of insulin analog treatment preconception rather than during early pregnancy may result in a lower risk of severe hypoglycemia in women with type 1 diabetes.

Reducing stillbirths: screening and monitoring during pregnancy and labour

BACKGROUND

Screening and monitoring in pregnancy are strategies used by healthcare providers to identify high-risk pregnancies so that they can provide more targeted and appropriate treatment and follow-up care, and to monitor fetal well-being in both low- and high-risk pregnancies. The use of many of these techniques is controversial and their ability to detect fetal compromise often unknown. Theoretically, appropriate management of maternal and fetal risk factors and complications that are detected in pregnancy and labour could prevent a large proportion of the world's 3.2 million estimated annual stillbirths, as well as minimise maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.

METHODS

The fourth in a series of papers assessing the evidence base for prevention of stillbirths, this paper reviews available published evidence for the impact of 14 screening and monitoring interventions in pregnancy on stillbirth, including identification and management of high-risk pregnancies, advanced monitoring techniques, and monitoring of labour. Using broad and specific strategies to search PubMed and the Cochrane Library, we identified 221 relevant reviews and studies testing screening and monitoring interventions during the antenatal and intrapartum periods and reporting stillbirth or perinatal mortality as an outcome.

RESULTS

We found a dearth of rigorous evidence of direct impact of any of these screening procedures and interventions on stillbirth incidence. Observational studies testing some interventions, including fetal movement monitoring and Doppler monitoring, showed some evidence of impact on stillbirths in selected high-risk populations, but require larger rigourous trials to confirm impact. Other interventions, such as amniotic fluid assessment for oligohydramnios, appear predictive of stillbirth risk, but studies are lacking which assess the impact on perinatal mortality of subsequent intervention based on test findings. Few rigorous studies of cardiotocography have reported stillbirth outcomes, but steep declines in stillbirth rates have been observed in high-income settings such as the U.S., where cardiotocography is used in conjunction with Caesarean section for fetal distress.

CONCLUSION

There are numerous research gaps and large, adequately controlled trials are still needed for most of the interventions we considered. The impact of monitoring interventions on stillbirth relies on use of effective and timely intervention should problems be detected. Numerous studies indicated that positive tests were associated with increased perinatal mortality, but while some tests had good sensitivity in detecting distress, false-positive rates were high for most tests, and questions remain about optimal timing, frequency, and implications of testing. Few studies included assessments of impact of subsequent intervention needed before recommending particular monitoring strategies as a means to decrease stillbirth incidence. In high-income countries such as the US, observational evidence suggests that widespread use of cardiotocography with Caesarean section for fetal distress has led to significant declines in stillbirth rates. Efforts to increase availability of Caesarean section in low-/middle-income countries should be coupled with intrapartum monitoring technologies where resources and provider skills permit.

Stillbirth following previous cesarean section in Bavaria/Germany 1987-2005

BACKGROUND

An elevated risk for unexplained stillbirth in subsequent pregnancies after cesarean section was reported in 2003. This finding would imply renewed discussions about stronger indications for cesarean sections.

OBJECTIVE

To find out whether there is an elevated risk for stillbirth in subsequent pregnancies after cesarean section in our cohort in Bavaria.

METHODS

As data linkage of records is not possible in Germany, we devised a suitable adjustment for bias correction. Second pregnancies in Bavaria/Germany after previous vaginal birth and previous cesarean section from 1987 to 2005 were analyzed. Risk of unexplained stillbirth was estimated by time-to-event analysis.

RESULTS

In our cohort of 629,815 second pregnancies, no elevated stillbirth risk in pregnancies after previous cesarean section compared to previous vaginal birth was noted (crude risk 0.22% in both groups; hazard ratio (HR) 1.00; P = 1.0). A slightly decreased risk for stillbirth after previous cesarean section for the period of 1994-2005 (HR 0.674; P = 0.04) could be shown.

CONCLUSION

We found no elevated stillbirth risk in pregnancies after previous cesarean section. The significantly lower risk for stillbirths after previous cesarean section in the period 1994-2005 is interpreted as consequence of improved obstetric surveillance. With our adjustment for bias correction, we hope to have found a way to make our data largely comparable with other sources reported in the literature. However, because of the strict German data protection act, the Bavarian birth register is only of limited use for the presented study.

A multicenter Italian study on pregnancy outcome in women with diabetes

BACKGROUND AND AIM

To determine pregnancy outcome in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A prospective study was conducted in 33 centers in Italy between 1999 and 2003, mainly recording preterm delivery, stillbirths, neonatal mortality, congenital malformations and birthweight. Of the 668 women examined, 504 had type 1 diabetes and 164 had type 2. Pre-pregnancy counseling had been provided to 43.9% of the women who had type 1 diabetes and 29.1% of the women who had type 2 diabetes and correlated with a better HbA1c value throughout pregnancy. The preterm delivery rate was significantly higher in type 1 and 2 diabetics than in normal pregnant women and was related to HbA1c values higher than 8%, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia and the presence of retinopathy before pregnancy. The stillbirth and neonatal mortality rates were also higher in diabetic pregnant women (1.26% and 0.63%, respectively) than in Italian pregnancies in general (0.30% and 0.32%), and the same was true for major congenital malformations (4.9% for diabetic pregnancies, 0.86% for normal Italian pregnancies).

CONCLUSIONS

In our population, pregnancy in diabetic women was still associated with a high rate of stillbirths, neonatal mortality and congenital malformations. Unplanned pregnancies and non-optimal glycemia control may help explain the high rates of maternal and neonatal complications.

Differing causes of pregnancy loss in type 1 and type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Women with type 2 and type 1 diabetes have differing risk factors for pregnancy loss. We compared the rates and causes of pregnancy loss in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We utilized prospectively collected data on all pregnancies in a 20-year period (1986-2005) from a single center with a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Pregnancy losses included terminations for medical reasons and deaths up to 1 month postpartum but not spontaneous pregnancy losses <20 weeks' gestation.

RESULTS

There were 870 pregnancies in women with known diabetes (330 with type 1 and 540 with type 2 diabetes) and 325 in women with diabetes diagnosed in pregnancy but persisting postpartum (97% type 2 diabetes). The rate of pregnancy loss was similar in type 1 and type 2 diabetes (2.6 vs. 3.7%, P = 0.39), but the causes of pregnancy loss differed. In type 1 diabetes >75% were attributable to major congenital anomalies or prematurity; in type 2 diabetes >75% were attributable to stillbirth or chorioamnionitis (P = 0.017). Women with type 2 and type 1 diabetes had similar A1C at presentation and near term, but the former were older (P < 0.001) and more obese (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

There are significant differences in the main causes of pregnancy loss in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The higher rates of stillbirth in women with type 2 diabetes, suggest that other features, such as obesity, contribute significantly to pregnancy losses.

Periconceptional care of women with diabetes mellitus

Pregestational diabetes is a common complication of pregnancy that can be associated with severe maternal and fetal morbidity. In addition, some women could have progression of diabetic complications secondary to pregnancy. Preconception care can significantly reduce pregnancy complications with a dramatic impact on the diabetic mother and her infant. For those women whose condition could be hastened by conception education, better understanding and an improved decision should be available to them and their families. Because unplanned pregnancy is common among diabetic women, they should be counseled early for the importance of preconception care in the progression of this disease.

Preconception care of women attending adult general diabetes clinics--are we doing enough?

BACKGROUND

The presence of diabetes in pregnancy can result in substantial morbidity to both mother and baby if management is sub-optimal.

AIMS

To assess the process of standards of preconception care (against the National Service Framework standards) of women attending the adult general diabetes clinics in a district general hospital.

METHODS

Retrospective review of case notes of women aged 18-40 years attending the general diabetes clinics for annual review, over a period of 6 months.

RESULTS

Seventy sets of notes were reviewed. The mean age of the patients was 32 years. Fifty-six patients had type-1 diabetes and 14 patients had type-2 diabetes. Mean duration of diabetes was 13 years. Eighty-six percent of the patients had blood pressure recordings documented. Mean blood pressure was 124/74 mmHg. Mean HbA1c was 9.1%. Documented evidence of home blood glucose monitoring was seen in 66% of the patients. Preconception counselling/contraception were discussed in 17 patients (25%). Twenty-nine patients (41%) were on potentially teratogenic medications. Alcohol and smoking history was not documented in 91% and 61% of the patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective assessment highlights that reproductive issues in an at risk population of women with diabetes are not included in routine management of diabetes care in outpatient clinics.

Maternal glycemic control and hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetic pregnancy: a randomized trial of insulin aspart versus human insulin in 322 pregnant women

OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety and efficacy of insulin aspart (IAsp) versus regular human insulin (HI) in basal-bolus therapy with NPH insulin in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Subjects (n = 322) who were pregnant or planning pregnancy were randomized to IAsp or HI as meal-time insulin in an open-label, parallel-group, multicenter study. Subjects had A1C < or =8% at confirmation of pregnancy. Insulin doses were titrated toward predefined glucose targets and A1C <6.5%. Outcomes assessed included risk of major maternal hypoglycemia, A1C, plasma glucose profiles, and maternal safety outcomes.

RESULTS

Major hypoglycemia occurred at a rate of 1.4 vs. 2.1 episodes/year exposure with IAsp and HI, respectively (relative risk 0.720 [95% CI 0.36-1.46]). Risk of major/major nocturnal hypoglycemia was 52% (RR 0.48 [0.20-1.143]; P = NS) lower with IAsp compared with HI. A1C was comparable with human insulin in second (IAsp-HI -0.04 [-0.18 to 0.11]) and third (-0.08 [-0.23 to 0.06]) trimesters. A total of 80% of subjects achieved an A1C < or =6.5%. At the end of first and third trimesters, average postprandial plasma glucose increments were significantly lower with IAsp than HI (P = 0.003 and P = 0.044, respectively), as were mean plasma glucose levels 90 min after breakfast (P = 0.044 and P = 0.001, respectively). Maternal safety profiles and pregnancy outcomes were similar between treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

IAsp is at least as safe and effective as HI when used in basal-bolus therapy with NPH insulin in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes and may potentially offer some benefits in terms of postprandial glucose control and preventing severe hypoglycemia.

Fetal and neonatal outcomes of diabetic pregnancies

OBJECTIVE

To estimate whether the incidences of adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes in infants of mothers with preexisting types 1 and 2 diabetes 1) differ from infants of nondiabetic mothers in Nova Scotia (NS); and 2) have changed between 1988 and 2002.

METHODS

Population-based cohort study using the NS Atlee Perinatal Database, a well-validated source of standardized clinical information.

RESULTS

A total of 516 infants of diabetic mothers and 150,589 infants of nondiabetic mothers from singleton pregnancies were studied. Infants of diabetic mothers had significantly higher rates of perinatal mortality (17.4/1,000 compared with 5.9/1,000, relative risk [RR] 3.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55-5.84), major congenital anomaly (9.1% compared with 3.1%, RR 2.97, 95% CI 2.25-3.90), and large for gestational age birth (LGA, more than 90th percentile weight for gestational age) (45.2% compared with 12.6%, RR 3.59, 95% CI 3.26-3.95) than infants of nondiabetic mothers. In infants of diabetic mothers, there was no improvement in perinatal mortality (23.4/1,000 in 1988-1995 compared with 11.5/1000 in 1996-2002, P = .340), incidence of LGA (48.0% in 1988-1995 compared with 42.3% in 1996-2002, P = .237), or rate of major congenital anomaly (8.2% in 1988-1995 compared with 10.0% in 1996-2002, P = .560). Diabetes remained an independent risk factor for LGA infants and major congenital anomaly after adjusting for possible confounders.

CONCLUSION

Rates of adverse neonatal outcomes are 3-9 times greater in infants of diabetic mothers compared with those of nondiabetic mothers. There were no significant improvements in rates of perinatal mortality, congenital anomaly, or LGA birth in infants of diabetic mothers in 1996-2002 compared with 1988-95.

Long-term effects of a diabetes and pregnancy program: does the education last?

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether women with pregestational diabetes obtained long-term benefits from an intensive diabetes management program during pregnancy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Women with pregestational diabetes who had attended an intensive diabetes management program in pregnancy between 1991 and 1999 were interviewed regarding diabetes self-management behaviors and current glycemic control. A retrospective chart review was done to obtain information on self-management behaviors at entry to the program and at delivery and compared with the present.

RESULTS

Comparing entry to the program to delivery, all diabetes self-management behaviors improved significantly, including frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose, frequency of insulin injections, and frequency and complexity of insulin dose adjustment (IDA). HbA(1c) (A1C) also improved significantly from entry to delivery (mean 0.073-0.060) (P < 0.0001). Comparing entry to the present, frequency of insulin injections improved significantly (P = 0.0004), frequency of IDA improved significantly (P = 0.004), and complexity of IDA improved significantly (P = 0.0032). However, there was no significant change in frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose (P = 0.766) from before pregnancy to the present, and A1C significantly worsened by 0.015 (P < 0.0001, 95% CI 0.009-0.021) from entry to the program to the present.

CONCLUSIONS

Women participating in an intensive diabetes management program during pregnancy improve significantly from entry to delivery in diabetes self-management behaviors and glycemic control and, in the long term, retain some of these behaviors and knowledge. However, this is not reflected in an improved A1C level. This may be explained by the loss of contact with the diabetes care team and/or the discontinuation of frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose-a critical behavior necessary for achieving optimal glycemic control.