Severe neonatal hypoglycaemia and intrapartum glycaemic control in pregnancies complicated by type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes

Maternal high fat and high sugar diet impacts on key DNA methylation enzymes in offspring brain in a sex-specific manner

Maternal obesity associates with an increased risk of offspring neurodevelopmental disorders. Although the underlying mechanism(s) remain unclear, evidence suggests a role for altered DNA methylation. We utilized a murine model of diet-induced obesity to investigate the impact of maternal obesity on the offspring brain transcriptome and DNA methylation. C57Bl/6 dams were fed high-fat high-sugar (HFD, n = 7) or control (CON, n = 7) diets. Maternal obesity/hyperglycemia associated with offspring growth restriction, with brain-sparing specifically in females. Postnatal hypoglycemia was seen in HFD males, but not females. The 3' RNA-sequencing revealed perturbations in metabolic and cell differentiation pathways in neonatal male and female offspring frontal cortex and cerebellum. Compared with controls, HFD males, but not females, had lower cortical and cerebellar DNMT gene and protein expression, and reduced cerebellar TET enzyme mRNA. Whilst female offspring had lower cerebellar 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) than males, there were no effects of HFD on 5mC/5hmC in cortex or cerebellum in either sex. Our data suggest that maternal obesity has sex-specific effects on fetal neurodevelopment, including enzymes involved in DNA methylation/demethylation. These mechanisms may play a role in the increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders following obese/diabetic pregnancies, including increased male susceptibility to these disorders.

Pregnancy outcomes in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) now accounts for the majority of pre-existing diabetes affecting pregnancy in the UK. Our aim was to determine its impact on pregnancy outcomes compared to type 1 diabetes (T1D), gestational diabetes (GDM), and nondiabetes pregnancies.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed was searched 1 January 2009 to 2024.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Cohort observational studies reporting original data on at least one of the primary outcomes in ten or more T2D pregnancies were eligible for inclusion. Comparative diabetes and nondiabetes pregnancies were also collected.

METHODS

Primary outcomes included congenital anomalies, stillbirths, neonatal and perinatal mortality, birthweight, rates of large for gestational age (LGA), small for gestational age (SGA), and macrosomia. PROSPERO ID CRD42023411057.

RESULTS

Forty seven studies were analyzed. The number of pregnancies in each analysis varied depending on the available data from the outcome being analyzed but ranged from 723 to 4,469,053 pregnancies. When compared with T1D pregnancies, T2D were more likely to have SGA babies as well as greater neonatal and perinatal mortality (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.12-4.67; OR 1.53 95% CI 1.20-1.94, and OR 1.31 95% CI 1.07-1.61, respectively). When compared with GDM, T2D were more likely to have babies with congenital anomalies (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.04-3.50), LGA (OR 3.49, 95% CI 2.49-4.89), neonatal mortality (OR 3.96, 95% CI 3.38-4.64), and stillbirth (OR 16.55, 95% CI 5.69-48.11). In comparison to nondiabetic pregnancy, T2D were more likely to have babies with congenital anomalies (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.11-2.79), LGA (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.93-4.04), perinatal mortality (OR 4.18, 95% CI 2.91-6.01), and stillbirth (OR 7.27, 95% CI 3.01-17.53).

CONCLUSION

T2D pregnancies are associated with a greater perinatal mortality than other forms of diabetes in pregnancy. Given its increasing prevenance, greater awareness of the adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with T2D is needed, by both healthcare providers and policy makers, to improve care.

Relationship between Intrapartum Continuous Glucose Monitoring Values and Neonatal Hypoglycemia in Individuals with Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

 We aimed to evaluate the relationship between intrapartum continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and neonatal hypoglycemia (NH) in individuals with diabetes.

STUDY DESIGN

 a multicenter prospective study (November 2021-December 2022) of laboring individuals with pregestational or gestational diabetes at ≥34 weeks. Cohorts had a blinded CGM placed from admission through delivery and were monitored with fingerstick (FS) according to usual care. The primary outcome was NH. Secondary neonatal outcomes included neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) length of stay, need for intravenous (IV) glucose therapy, hyperbilirubinemia, respiratory distress, or respiratory distress syndrome. Time in the target range (TIR; range 70-110 mg/dL) and time above the target range (TAR; >110 mg/dL) were expressed as a percentage of all CGM readings, and mean glucose was obtained. Youden index was used to choose the cut point for TAR and prediction of NH.

RESULTS

 Of 9,479 deliveries during the study period, 202 (2.1%) met the inclusion criteria, and 112 (56%) participants were enrolled (n = 7 did not have available CGM data). Of the study participants, 45 (40%) had pregestational diabetes, and 67 (60%) had gestational diabetes. The mean glucose in labor using a CGM was 102.6 mg/dL (interquartile range [IQR]:89.9, 113.5 mg/dL), and the average percentage of TIR was 62.1% (IQR, 36.9, 85.6). CGM and FS were poor predictors of NH, with no differences in area under the curve (AUC) of mean glucose as a predictor (0.64, 95% CI: 0.48-0.23 vs. 0.53, 95% CI: 0.4-0.6, respectively). The best cut-off for the prediction of NH was a TAR of 61%, with 23% (n = 24) being above the threshold. The rate of NH for TAR >61% versus ≤61% was 45.8 versus 25.9% (p = 0.06). Neonates born to individuals with TAR >61% were more likely to require continuous positive airway pressure after delivery and had a higher cord c-peptide level.

CONCLUSION

 In this prospective study of laboring individuals with diabetes, intrapartum CGM TAR was associated with a higher rate of NH.

KEY POINTS

· CGM use in labor is feasible with a complete glucose profile in the various stages of labor.. · Best cut-off for predicting NH was a time above range (≥110 mg/dl) of >61%.. · CGM and FS were poor predictors of NH..

Glucose Control During Labour and Delivery in Type 1 Diabetes - An Update on Current Evidence

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide an update on diabetes management during labour and delivery in women with type 1 diabetes with focus on appropriate insulin administration, carbohydrate supply and use of diabetes technology to support safe delivery and neonatal well-being.

RECENT FINDINGS

During active labour and elective cesarean section capillary blood glucose monitoring or continuous glucose monitoring at least hourly is recommended. Infusion with isotonic (5%) glucose can be given with adjustable infusion rate to address maternal carbohydrate requirements and to prevent maternal hypoglycemia. Subcutaneous insulin administration with multiple injections or insulin pump therapy is considered at least as safe and efficient as intravenous administration to obtain tight glycemic targets. Automated insulin delivery via insulin pump can be continued during labour and delivery. Diabetes management during labour and delivery involves intensive glucose monitoring, adequate insulin administration and carbohydrate administration to support safe delivery and neonatal well-being.

Advanced Hybrid Closed-Loop Therapy Compared With Standard Insulin Therapy Intrapartum and Early Postpartum in Women With Type 1 Diabetes: A Secondary Observational Analysis From the CRISTAL Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine efficacy and safety of intrapartum and early postpartum advanced hybrid closed-loop (AHCL) therapy compared with standard insulin therapy in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

CRISTAL was a double-arm, open-label, randomized controlled trial performed in Belgium and the Netherlands that assigned 95 pregnant participants with T1D 1:1 to a MiniMed 780G AHCL system (n = 46) or standard insulin therapy (n = 49). This prespecified, secondary observational analysis focused on differences in glycemic control and safety outcomes between participants from the original AHCL group who continued AHCL intrapartum (n = 27) and/or early postpartum (n = 37, until hospital discharge) and those from the original standard insulin therapy group using standard insulin therapy intrapartum (n = 45) and/or early postpartum (n = 34).

RESULTS

Of the 43 and 46 participants in the AHCL and standard insulin therapy groups, respectively, completing the trial, 27 (62.8%) in the AHCL group continued AHCL and 45 in the standard insulin therapy group (97.8%) continued standard insulin therapy intrapartum. Compared with standard insulin therapy, intrapartum AHCL was associated with more time in range 3.5-7.8 mmol/L (71.5 ± 17.7% vs. 63.1 ± 17.0%, P = 0.030) and numerically lower time above range >7.8 mmol/L (27.3 ± 17.4% vs. 35.3 ± 17.5%, P = 0.054), without increases in time below range <3.5 mmol/L (1.1 ± 2.4% vs. 1.5 ± 2.3%, P = 0.146). Early postpartum, 37 (86.0%) participants randomized to AHCL continued AHCL, with a median increase in insulin-to-carbohydrate ratios of 67% (interquartile range -14 to 126). Similar tight glycemic control (3.9-10.0 mmol/L: 86.8 ± 6.7% vs. 83.8 ± 8.1%, P = 0.124) was observed with AHCL versus standard insulin therapy. No severe hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis was reported in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

AHCL is effective in maintaining tight glycemic control intrapartum and early postpartum and can be safely continued during periods of rapidly changing insulin requirements.

Intrapartum Care for People with Diabetes-Working towards Evidence-Based Management

The consensus in the literature supports the need for careful monitoring and management of maternal blood glucose during labor to optimize neonatal outcomes. Guidelines generally recommend strict control of maternal blood glucose during labor, involving frequent checks, and the use of dextrose and insulin as needed. However, recent evidence has not consistently shown a strong association between strict control of blood glucose and a reduction in the rate of neonatal hypoglycemia. This raises questions about the extent to which intrapartum blood glucose control impacts neonatal hypoglycemia. This review aims to explore the literature on intrapartum maternal blood glucose management in individuals with pregestational or gestational diabetes, utilizing peer-reviewed journals and datasets, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and clinical guidelines. Observational studies, small sample sizes, variability in definitions of maternal hyperglycemia and neonatal hypoglycemia, and differences in measurement methods such as timing and thresholds for intervention limit the literature on this topic. Additionally, many studies may not fully account for confounding factors such as maternal body mass index, diet, and other comorbidities affecting blood glucose levels. These limitations underscore the need for a cautious interpretation of current findings and highlight the necessity for future research in this area. This review elaborates on the available data and summarizes evidence on managing labor in pregnancies complicated by diabetes. We also emphasize the need for further research to clarify the relationship between maternal blood glucose during labor and neonatal blood glucose. KEY POINTS: · The benefits of strict intrapartum blood glucose control are unclear.. · The optimal maternal blood glucose range to prevent neonatal hypoglycemia remains undefined.. · Additional research is necessary to understand the relationship between maternal and neonatal blood glucose..

Development and internal validation of a clinical score to predict neonatal hypoglycaemia in women with gestational diabetes

INTRODUCTION

Gestational diabetes (GD) is a risk factor for neonatal hypoglycaemia (NH), but other factors can increase this risk.

OBJECTIVES

To create a score to predict NH in women with GD.

METHODS

Retrospective study of women with GD with a live singleton birth between 2012 and 2017 from the Portuguese GD registry. Pregnancies with and without NH were compared. A logistic regression was used to study NH predictors. Variables independently associated with NH were used to score derivation. The model's internal validation was performed by a bootstrapping. The association between the score and NH was assessed by logistic regression.

RESULTS

We studied 10216 pregnancies, 410 (4.0%) with NH. The model's AUC was 0.628 (95%CI: 0.599-0.657). Optimism-corrected c-index: 0.626. Points were assigned to variables associated with NH in proportion to the model's lowest regression coefficient: insulin-treatment 1, preeclampsia 3, preterm delivery 2, male sex 1, and small-for-gestational-age 2, or large-for-gestational-age 3. NH prevalence by score category 0-1, 2, 3, 4, and ≥5 was 2.3%, 3.0%, 4.5%, 6.0%, 7.4%, and 11.5%, respectively. Per point, the OR for NH was 1.35 (95% CI: 1.27-1.42). A score of 2, 3, 4, 5 or ≥6 (versus ≤1) had a OR for NH of 1.67 (1.29-2.15), 2.24 (1.65-3.04), 2.83 (2.02-3.98), 3.08 (1.83-5.16), and 6.84 (4.34-10.77), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Per each score point, women with GD had 35% higher risk of NH. Those with ≥6 points had 6.8-fold higher risk of NH compared to a score ≤1. Our score may be useful for identifying women at a higher risk of NH.

Permissive intrapartum glucose control: an equivalence randomized control trial (PERMIT)

BACKGROUND

There is limited high-quality data on the best practices for maternal blood glucose management during labor.

OBJECTIVE

We compared permissive care (target maternal blood glucose 70-180 mg/dL) to usual care (blood glucose 70-110 mg/dL) among laboring individuals with diabetes.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a two-site equivalence randomized control trial for individuals with diabetes (pregestational or gestational) at ≥34 weeks in labor. Individuals were randomly allocated to usual care or permissive care. Maternal blood glucose was evaluated by capillary blood glucose monitoring in latent and active labor every 4 and 2 hours. Insulin drip was initiated if maternal blood glucose exceeded the upper bounds of the allocated target. The primary outcome was the first neonatal heel stick glucose within 2 hours of birth before feeding. We assumed a mean first neonatal blood glucose of 50±10 mg/dL. To ensure that the use of permissive care did not increase or decrease the first neonatal blood glucose >10 mg/dL (2-tailed: a=0.05, b=0.1), 96 total participants were required. We calculated adjusted relative risk and 95% confidence intervals in an intention-to-treat analysis. A preplanned Bayesian analysis was used to estimate the probability of equivalence with a neutral informative prior.

RESULTS

Of deliveries with diabetes assessed for eligibility (from October 2022 to June 2023), 280 of 511 (54.8%) met eligibility criteria, and 96 of 280 (34.3%) agreed and were randomized. In the usual care group, 17% required an insulin drip compared with none in permissive care. There was equivalence in the primary outcome between usual and permissive care (57.9 vs 57.1 mg/dL; adjusted mean difference, -0.72 [95% confidence interval, -8.87 to 7.43]). Bayesian analysis indicated a 98% posterior probability of the mean difference not being >10 mg/dL. The rate of neonatal hypoglycemia was 25% in the usual care group and 29% in the permissive group (adjusted relative risk, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.60-2.17). There was no difference in other neonatal or maternal outcomes.

CONCLUSION

In this randomized control trial, although almost 1 in 6 individuals with diabetes required an insulin drip with usual intrapartum maternal blood glucose care, permissive care was associated with equivalent neonatal blood glucose.

Type 1 Diabetes and Pregnancy: Challenges in Glycemic Control and Maternal-Fetal Outcomes

Managing type 1 diabetes during pregnancy presents significant challenges due to physiological and hormonal changes. These factors contribute to major changes in insulin sensitivity, complicating efforts to achieve and sustain optimal blood glucose levels. Poorly controlled glucose levels during pregnancy can result in diabetic embryopathy and elevate the risks of maternal complications such as hypertensive disorders and diabetic ketoacidosis. Fetal complications may include preterm birth, fetal demise, and admission to neonatal intensive care units. It is essential to recognize that there is no universal approach to managing glycemic control in pregnant women with T1DM and care should be individualized. Effective management requires a multidisciplinary approach involving regular monitoring, adjustments in insulin therapy, dietary modifications, and consistent prenatal care. Continuous glucose monitoring has emerged as a valuable tool for real-time glucose monitoring, facilitating tighter glycemic control. Education and support for self-management are important in addressing these challenges. Future developments in technology and personalized approaches to care show promising potential for advancing diabetes management during pregnancy. This provides a comprehensive overview of current literature on the challenges with the management of T1DM during pregnancy, focusing on its impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes and highlighting effective strategies for achieving optimal glycemic control.

Intrapartum maternal glycaemic control for the prevention of neonatal hypoglycaemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Neonatal hypoglycaemia is the most common metabolic disorder in infants, and may be influenced by maternal glycaemic control. This systematic review evaluated the effect of intrapartum maternal glycaemic control on neonatal hypoglycaemia.

METHODS

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, non-randomised studies of interventions, and cohort or case-control studies that examined interventions affecting intrapartum maternal glycaemic control compared to no or less stringent control. We searched four databases and three trial registries to November 2023. Quality assessments used Cochrane Risk of Bias 1 or the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models analysed separately for women with or without diabetes. The review was registered prospectively on PROSPERO (CRD42022364876).

RESULTS

We included 46 studies of women with diabetes and five studies of women without diabetes: one RCT, 32 cohort and 18 case-control studies (11,273 participants). For women with diabetes, the RCT showed little to no difference in the incidence of neonatal hypoglycaemia between tight versus less tight intrapartum glycaemic control groups (76 infants, RR 1.00 (0.45, 2.24), p = 1.00, low certainty evidence). However, 11 cohort studies showed tight intrapartum glycaemic control may reduce neonatal hypoglycaemia (6,152 infants, OR 0.44 (0.31, 0.63), p < 0.00001, I2 = 58%, very low certainty evidence). For women without diabetes, there was insufficient evidence to determine the effect of tight intrapartum glycaemic control on neonatal hypoglycaemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Very uncertain evidence suggests that tight intrapartum glycaemic control may reduce neonatal hypoglycaemia in infants of women with diabetes. High-quality RCTs are required.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring Metrics in High-Risk Pregnant Women with Type 2 Diabetes

Objective: To describe glucose metrics in a high-risk population of women with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in pregnancy and to explore the associations with neonatal outcomes. Research Design and Methods: Prospective observational study of 57 women. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) trajectories were determined from metrics collected in early and late gestation using the first and last two (mean 16 and 35) weeks of Freestyle Libre data. Logistic regression was used to examine associations of CGM metrics with neonatal hypoglycemia (glucose <2.6 mmol/L requiring intravenous dextrose) and large for gestational age (LGA) (>90th percentile for gestational age and sex). Pregnancy-specific target glucose range was 3.5-7.8 mmol/L (63-140 mg/dL). Results: Forty-one women used CGM for 15 weeks (mean age 33 years, 73% Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, 32% living remotely). There was limited change in average metrics from early to late pregnancy. For the subgroup with sensor use >50% (n = 29), mean time in range (TIR) increased by 9%, time above range reduced by 12%, average glucose reduced by 1 mmol/L, and time below range increased by 3%. Neonatal hypoglycemia was associated with most CGM metrics, HbA1c and CGM targets, particularly those from late pregnancy. LGA was associated with hyperglycemic metrics from early pregnancy. Each 1% increase TIR was associated with a 4%-5% reduction in risk of neonatal complications. Conclusion: In this high-risk group of women with T2DM, CGM metrics only improved during pregnancy in those with greater sensor use and were associated with LGA in early pregnancy and neonatal hypoglycemia throughout. Culturally appropriate health care strategies are critical for successful use of CGM technology.

Metabolomic insights into maternal and neonatal complications in pregnancies affected by type 1 diabetes

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Type 1 diabetes in pregnancy is associated with suboptimal pregnancy outcomes, attributed to maternal hyperglycaemia and offspring hyperinsulinism (quantifiable by cord blood C-peptide). We assessed metabolomic patterns associated with risk factors (maternal hyperglycaemia, diet, BMI, weight gain) and perinatal complications (pre-eclampsia, large for gestational age [LGA], neonatal hypoglycaemia, hyperinsulinism) in the Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Women with Type 1 Diabetes in Pregnancy Trial (CONCEPTT).

METHODS

A total of 174 CONCEPTT participants gave ≥1 non-fasting serum sample for the biorepository at 12 gestational weeks (147 women), 24 weeks (167 women) and 34 weeks (160 women) with cord blood from 93 infants. Results from untargeted metabolite analysis (ultrahigh performance LC-MS) are presented as adjusted logistic/linear regression of maternal and cord blood metabolites, risk factors and perinatal complications using a modified Bonferroni limit of significance for dependent variables.

RESULTS

Maternal continuous glucose monitoring time-above-range (but not BMI or excessive gestational weight gain) was associated with increased triacylglycerols in maternal blood and increased carnitines in cord blood. LGA, adiposity, neonatal hypoglycaemia and offspring hyperinsulinism showed distinct metabolite profiles. LGA was associated with increased carnitines, steroid hormones and lipid metabolites, predominantly in the third trimester. However, neonatal hypoglycaemia and offspring hyperinsulinism were both associated with metabolite changes from the first trimester, featuring triacylglycerols or dietary phenols. Pre-eclampsia was associated with increased abundance of phosphatidylethanolamines, a membrane phospholipid, at 24 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Altered lipid metabolism is a key pathophysiological feature of type 1 diabetes pregnancy. New strategies for optimising maternal diet and insulin dosing from the first trimester are needed to improve pregnancy outcomes in type 1 diabetes.

Management of type 2 diabetes in pregnancy: a narrative review

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) at reproductive age is rising. Women with T2DM have a similarly high risk for pregnancy complications as pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. To reduce adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, such as preeclampsia and preterm delivery, a multi-target approach is necessary. Tight glycemic control together with appropriate gestational weight gain, lifestyle measures, and if necessary, antihypertensive treatment and low-dose aspirin is advised. This narrative review discusses the latest evidence on preconception care, management of diabetes-related complications, lifestyle counselling, recommendations on gestational weight gain, pharmacologic treatment and early postpartum management of T2DM.

Management of type 1 diabetes in pregnancy: update on lifestyle, pharmacological treatment, and novel technologies for achieving glycaemic targets

Glucose concentrations within target, appropriate gestational weight gain, adequate lifestyle, and, if necessary, antihypertensive treatment and low-dose aspirin reduces the risk of pre-eclampsia, preterm delivery, and other adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by type 1 diabetes. Despite the increasing use of diabetes technology (ie, continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pumps), the target of more than 70% time in range in pregnancy (TIRp 3·5-7·8 mmol/L) is often reached only in the final weeks of pregnancy, which is too late for beneficial effects on pregnancy outcomes. Hybrid closed-loop (HCL) insulin delivery systems are emerging as promising treatment options in pregnancy. In this Review, we discuss the latest evidence on pre-pregnancy care, management of diabetes-related complications, lifestyle recommendations, gestational weight gain, antihypertensive treatment, aspirin prophylaxis, and the use of novel technologies for achieving and maintaining glycaemic targets during pregnancy in women with type 1 diabetes. In addition, the importance of effective clinical and psychosocial support for pregnant women with type 1 diabetes is also highlighted. We also discuss the contemporary studies examining HCL systems in type 1 diabetes during pregnancies.

Missed antenatal diabetes care appointments and neonatal outcomes for pregnancies with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

There is limited information regarding the association between missed appointments and neonatal outcomes for diabetes in pregnancy.

STUDY METHODS

This retrospective live birth cohort included pregnant women with Type 1 or 2 diabetes who attended specialized clinics from 2008 to 2020. The association between at least one missed antenatal diabetes appointments and outcomes were assessed using logistic regression and reported as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) (95% confidence interval). Mediation analyses were conducted to examine if above target HbA1c mediated these relationships.

RESULTS

The cohort included 407 and 902 women with Type 1 and 2 diabetes, respectively, of whom 25.1% and 34.5% missed at least one appointment. Women with Type 1 diabetes who missed an appointment were more likely to have a caesarean section (aOR 1.95 [1.15, 3.31]) and their babies more likely to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (aOR 2.25 [1.35, 3.75]). Women with Type 2 diabetes who missed an appointment were more likely to have a large-for-gestational-age infant (aOR 1.61 [1.13, 2.28]), and an extreme large-for-gestational-age infant (aOR 1.69 [1.02, 2.81]) compared with women who did not miss appointments. Above target HbA1c mediated the relationship between missed appointments and caesarean delivery in Type 1 diabetes and large-for-gestational age and extreme large-for-gestational age in Type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSION

In individuals with Type 1 and 2 diabetes, there are differences in neonatal outcomes between those who missed an appointment compared to those who did not. It remains unclear if missed diabetes appointments are causative or a marker of other health behaviours or risk factors leading to neonatal morbidity.

What's new in the management of type 1 diabetes in pregnancy?

Type 1 diabetes in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of complications for both mother and fetus. However, managing glycaemia during pregnancy to reduce these risks is challenging, owing to changes in insulin resistance with advancing gestation, as well as increased daily variation in insulin pharmacokinetics. These factors can add significant psychological and daily self-care burden to mothers during what may already be an anxious time. Increasingly, diabetes technologies are being used during pregnancy to improve and facilitate diabetes self-care. While these can be empowering for people with type 1 diabetes, careful consideration is required in relation to how and when these can be continued safely in the inpatient setting (including acute antenatal admissions, labour and delivery) and when extra support is required from adequately trained healthcare professionals. This article describes current forms of diabetes technologies used and the latest national guidance relating to the care of type 1 diabetes in pregnancy.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnancies with type 2 diabetes in First Nation and other Manitoban people: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

First Nation people living in Canada experience a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes in pregnancy. In this study, we aimed to describe maternal and neonatal outcomes in First Nation and all other females with type 2 diabetes living in Manitoba, Canada.

METHODS

This was a population-level retrospective cohort study using linked administrative data from Manitoba (2012-2017). We compared First Nation females with type 2 diabetes with all other Manitoban females with type 2 diabetes, using relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

A total of 2181 females with type 2 diabetes were included, and 1218 (55.8%) were First Nation. First Nation females with type 2 diabetes were significantly more likely to experience stillbirth (RR 2.14, 95% CI 1.11-4.13) and perinatal death (RR 2.39, 95% CI 1.37-4.17) than all other Manitoban females with type 2 diabetes. Offspring of First Nation females with type 2 diabetes had a higher risk of most neonatal complications than offspring of all other Manitoban females with type 2 diabetes, including a higher risk of congenital malformations (RR 1.97, 95% CI 1.30-2.99), but First Nation people did not have a higher risk of most maternal complications.

INTERPRETATION

First Nation pregnant individuals living with type 2 diabetes experienced a higher risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes than all other Manitoban females with type 2 diabetes. Additional studies are needed to identify both high-risk and protective factors for pregnancy complications in First Nation people living with type 2 diabetes in pregnancy.

A Systematic Review to Compare Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Pregestational Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes

Pregestational type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 (T2DM) diabetes mellitus and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are associated with increased rates of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Adverse outcomes are more common in women with pregestational diabetes compared to GDM; although, conflicting results have been reported. This systematic review aims to summarise and synthesise studies that have compared adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnancies complicated by pregestational diabetes and GDM. Three databases, Pubmed, EBSCOhost and Scopus were searched to identify studies that compared adverse outcomes in pregnancies complicated by pregestational T1DM and T2DM, and GDM. A total of 20 studies met the inclusion criteria and are included in this systematic review. Thirteen pregnancy outcomes including caesarean section, preterm birth, congenital anomalies, pre-eclampsia, neonatal hypoglycaemia, macrosomia, neonatal intensive care unit admission, stillbirth, Apgar score, large for gestational age, induction of labour, respiratory distress syndrome and miscarriages were compared. Findings from this review confirm that pregestational diabetes is associated with more frequent pregnancy complications than GDM. Taken together, this review highlights the risks posed by all types of maternal diabetes and the need to improve care and educate women on the importance of maintaining optimal glycaemic control to mitigate these risks.

Managing hyperglycaemia during antenatal steroid administration, labour and birth in pregnant women with diabetes - an updated guideline from the Joint British Diabetes Society for Inpatient Care

This article summarises the Joint British Diabetes Societies for Inpatient Care guidelines on the management of glycaemia in pregnant women with diabetes on obstetric wards and delivery units, Joint British Diabetes Societies (JBDS) for Inpatient Care Group, ABCD (Diabetes Care) Ltd. The updated guideline offers two approaches - the traditional approach with tight glycaemic targets (4.0-7.0 mmol/L) and an updated pragmatic approach (5.0-8.0 mmol/L) to reduce the risk of maternal hypoglycaemia whilst maintaining safe glycaemia. This is particularly relevant for women with type 1 diabetes who are increasingly using Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) and Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) during pregnancy. All women with diabetes should have a documented delivery plan agreed during antenatal clinic appointments. Hyperglycaemia following steroid administration can be managed either by increasing basal and prandial insulin doses, typically by 50% to 80%, or by adding a variable rate of intravenous insulin infusion (VRIII). Glucose levels, either capillary blood glucose or CGM glucose levels, should be measured at least hourly from the onset of established labour, artificial rupture of membranes or admission for elective caesarean section. If intrapartum glucose levels are higher than 7.0 or 8.0 mmol/L on two consecutive occasions, VRIII is recommended. Hourly capillary blood glucose rather than CGM glucose measurements should be used to adjust VRIII. The recommended substrate fluid to be administered alongside a VRIII is 0.9% sodium chloride solution with 5% glucose and 0.15% potassium chloride (KCl) (20 mmol/L) or 0.3% KCl (40 mmol/L) at 50 ml/hr. Both the VRIII and CSII rates should be reduced by at least 50% after delivery.

Reexamining intrapartum glucose control in patients with diabetes and risk of neonatal hypoglycemia

OBJECTIVE

Compare the incidence of hypoglycemia in neonates born to patients with diabetes, based on last maternal glucose before delivery.

STUDY DESIGN

Cohort of singleton births from individuals with pregestational and gestational diabetes (GDM) from 2017 to 2019.

RESULTS

We included 853 deliveries. Maternal hyperglycemia before delivery was associated with 1.8-fold greater risk of neonatal hypoglycemia (glucose < 45 mg/dL) in patients with GDM on medication (adjusted risk ratio (aRR): 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1-2.7), compared with euglycemia. This association was not seen in diet-controlled GDM (0.5; 0.23-1.1), nor in Type 1 (1.1; 0.88-1.4), or Type 2 pregestational diabetes (1.1; 0.61-1.9). Further, pregestational diabetes, compared to GDM, regardless of intrapartum maternal glucose control, was associated with neonatal hypoglycemia and NICU admission.

CONCLUSION

Maternal hyperglycemia before delivery only carried a higher risk of neonatal hypoglycemia in those with GDM on medications. Other interventions to reduce neonatal hypoglycemia are needed.

Prescribing for pregnancy: managing diabetes

Topics for DTB review articles are selected by DTB's editorial board to provide concise overviews of medicines and other treatments to help patients get the best care. Articles include a summary of key points and a brief overview for patients. Articles may also have a series of multiple choice CME questions.

Type 1 Diabetes: Management in Women From Preconception to Postpartum

CONTEXT

This review presents an up-to-date summary on management of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) among women of reproductive age and covers the following time periods: preconception, gestation, and postpartum.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic search and review of the literature for randomized controlled trials and other studies evaluating management of T1DM before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and postpartum was performed.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Preconception planning should begin early in the reproductive years for young women with T1DM. Preconception and during pregnancy, it is recommended to have near-normal glucose values to prevent adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, including fetal demise, congenital anomaly, pre-eclampsia, macrosomia, neonatal respiratory distress, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, and neonatal hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSION

Women with T1DM can have healthy, safe pregnancies with preconception planning, optimal glycemic control, and multidisciplinary care.

Epigenetic Changes in Neonates Born to Mothers With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus May Be Associated With Neonatal Hypoglycaemia

The detection of epigenetic changes associated with neonatal hypoglycaemia may reveal the pathophysiology and predict the onset of future diseases in offspring. We hypothesized that neonatal hypoglycaemia reflects the in utero environment associated with maternal gestational diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to identify epigenetic changes associated with neonatal hypoglycaemia. The association between DNA methylation using Infinium HumanMethylation EPIC BeadChip and neonatal plasma glucose (PG) level at 1 h after birth in 128 offspring born at term to mothers with well-controlled gestational diabetes mellitus was investigated by robust linear regression analysis. Cord blood DNA methylation at 12 CpG sites was significantly associated with PG at 1 h after birth after adding infant sex, delivery method, gestational day, and blood cell compositions as covariates to the regression model. DNA methylation at two CpG sites near an alternative transcription start site of ZNF696 was significantly associated with the PG level at 1 h following birth (false discovery rate-adjusted P < 0.05). Methylation levels at these sites increased as neonatal PG levels at 1 h after birth decreased. In conclusion, gestational diabetes mellitus is associated with DNA methylation changes at the alternative transcription start site of ZNF696 in cord blood cells. This is the first report of DNA methylation changes associated with neonatal PG at 1 h after birth.

Severe neonatal hypoglycaemia and intrapartum glycaemic control in pregnancies complicated by type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes

AIMS

To determine if in-target intrapartum glucose control is associated with neonatal hypoglycaemia in women with type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of pregnant women with diabetes and their neonates. The primary exposure was in-target glucose control, defined as all capillary glucose values within the range 3.5-6.5 mmol/l during the intrapartum period. The primary outcome, neonatal hypoglycaemia, was defined as treatment with intravenous dextrose therapy. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the association between maternal intrapartum glycaemic control and neonatal hypoglycaemia, adjusting for covariates.

RESULTS

Intrapartum glucose testing was available for 157 (86.3%), 267 (76.3%) and 3256 (52.4%) women with type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes, respectively. In the univariate analysis, in-target glycaemic control was significantly associated with neonatal hypoglycaemia in women with gestational diabetes, but not in women with type 1 or 2 diabetes. However, after adjustment for important neonatal factors (large for gestational age, preterm delivery and infant sex), intrapartum in-target glycaemic control was not significantly associated with neonatal hypoglycaemia in women regardless of diabetes type [adjusted odds ratios 0.4 (95% CI 0.1, 1.4), 0.7 (95% CI 0.3, 1.3) and 0.7 (95% CI 0.5, 1.0) for women with type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes, respectively].

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant association between in-target glycaemic control and neonatal hypoglycaemia after adjustment for neonatal factors. Given the high risk of maternal hypoglycaemia and the resources required, future trials should consider whether more relaxed intrapartum glycaemic targets may be safer and yield similar neonatal outcomes.