Diabetic women are more likely to have a stillbirth, reveals a study

A new study found that women with diabetes were four times more likely to have a stillborn baby than those who did not have it.

Researchers at the University of Glasgow have examined the records of nearly 4,000 Scottish diabetic mothers.

They found that high blood sugar levels in diabetic pregnant women were a "risk factor" for stillbirths.

The study reveals that the body mbad index (BMI) of diabetic women is also a critical factor.

The researchers also found that one-third of stillbirths in diabetic women occurred over time.

Early delivery

Dr. Sharon Mackin, who conducted the study, said, "It is essential that we, as health professionals, find better ways to help women of childbearing age optimize their weight and weight. blood sugar, so that their pregnancy is planned or unplanned, they are better prepared and their risk of adverse effects is reduced.

"It is important for women with diabetes to be aware of this and to have access to appropriate pre-conceptual counseling, even if they are not planning a pregnancy imminently.

"Women with diabetes should also get in touch with their diabetes treatment center as soon as they undergo a positive pregnancy test so we can see and support them quickly."

The study concluded that earlier delivery could be considered an "attractive option," but that more research was needed before making recommendations for optimal timing.

Dr. Mackin said the question "should be asked about whether early delivery of all pregnancies with diabetes could prevent these stillbirths in the long run."

She said: "We do not know the answer to this question.The optimal time for delivery in such pregnancies is not clear."

The study identified 5,392 babies born to 3,847 mothers with diabetes in Scotland between April 1998 and June 2016.

Mothers with type 1 diabetes were more than three times more likely to give birth to a stillborn child, while those with type 2 were at least four times more likely.

Stillbirth rates were 16.1 per 1,000 births for women with type 1 diabetes and 22.9 per 1,000 for type 2 diabetes, compared with 4.9 per 1,000 births in the general population.

Women with stillbirth type 1 had above-average blood glucose levels throughout their pregnancy, while pre-pregnancy rates were a stronger predictor of stillbirths in type 2.

Babies with the highest and lowest birth weights were the most at risk, according to the study published in the journal Diabetologia.

Emily Burns, Head of Research at Diabetes UK, said: "Most women with diabetes have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby, but this research highlights how important it is to help women manage their blood sugar if they plan to become pregnant, in order to: reduce as much as possible their risk of complications.

This also suggests that additional weight loss in women with overweight type 2 diabetes may also help reduce this risk.

"We need research to find better ways to predict who is at greatest risk for complications during pregnancy, to ensure support for those who need it most."