New research suggests automated insulin delivery could improve outcomes for pregnant women with Type 1 Diabetes and their unborn children.

Type 1 Diabetes in Pregnancy

According to WHO (World Health Organisation), diabetes is ‘a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces’.

Type 1 diabetes (previously known as insulin-dependent diabetes) is characterized by deficient insulin production and requires the careful management of blood sugar levels.

For expectant mothers with the condition, blood sugar level management becomes even more critical. This is because elevated blood sugar levels can lead to various complications including premature birth, neonatal intensive care requirements and long-term risks like child obesity.

Moreover, despite advances in monitoring and insulin delivery, managing type 1 diabetes during pregnancy can be particularly complex.

The Latest Research

Funded by the Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation (EME) Program and supported by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and the Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation (DRWF), the University of East Anglia recently conducted research focusing on pregnant women with type 1 diabetes.

The study aimed to address the struggles that pregnant women with type 1 diabetes face in reaching recommended blood sugar targets during pregnancy, despite aforementioned advancements in monitoring and insulin delivery.

In conducting their study, researchers set out to evaluate the effectiveness of automated insulin delivery, specifically a technology known as ‘Hybrid Closed-Loop’ or ‘Artificial Pancreas’. This system uses an algorithm that communicates directly with the diabetic user’s mobile phone, enabling the technology to continually adjust insulin doses based on the user’s blood sugar levels.

The study compared Hybrid Closed-Loop technology to traditional methods of continuous manual glucose monitoring and insulin delivery, where users make decisions throughout the day about insulin doses.

The research involved 124 pregnant women with type 1 diabetes, aged 18-45, who managed their condition with daily insulin delivery and glucose monitoring. Half of the participants within the study used the Hybrid Closed-Loop technology, while the other half continued with traditional insulin therapy involving insulin pumps or daily injections.

What the Results Suggest

The findings of the study, conducted across nine hospitals, shed light on the potential of automated insulin delivery for pregnant women with type 1 diabetes.

Compared to traditional insulin therapy methods, women using the automated system spent more time within the recommended blood sugar range for pregnancy (68% vs. 56%). This translates to an extra two-and-a-half to three hours every day throughout a pregnancy. Perhaps even more significantly, these benefits were achieved without any increase in low blood sugar events or additional insulin use.

The research also revealed that women using the technology gained less weight during pregnancy (3.5 kg or 7.7 lbs less) and experienced fewer blood pressure complications. Moreover, they required fewer antenatal clinic appointments and had fewer out-of-hours calls with maternity clinic teams, making the technology effective and timesaving for both mothers and health services.

Next Steps and Need for Further Research

Automated insulin delivery, as demonstrated by the Hybrid Closed-Loop technology, has the potential to revolutionize pregnancy outcomes for women with type 1 diabetes. The technology could offer a safe and effective means of managing blood sugar levels during pregnancy, reducing complications for expectant mothers and their children.

While the research certainly shows promise, researchers have acknowledged some limitations, such as the need for more extensive analysis of baby health outcomes and further work needed on the technology itself. However, despite the need for continuing research, this most recent study suggests that improved pregnancy outcomes and better maternal health for women managing type 1 diabetes could be on the horizon.

Sources:

University of East Anglia

World Health Organisation

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is based on recent research and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance and care during pregnancy.