Obesity Could Cause Reproductive Problems In Women With Type 1 Diabetes

Washington DC: A recent study found that obesity could play a role in the reproductive problems of women with type 1 diabetes. The study was presented at the ENDO 2019; annual meeting of the Endocrine Society in New Orleans, La. Previous studies have shown that type 1 diabetes is badociated with menstrual irregularities and lower fertility rates.

"Women with type 1 diabetes remain exposed to significant reproductive problems despite improvements in current therapies, which is partly explained by the high prevalence of obesity in this group, "said senior researcher Eleanor Thong, MBBS, Monash Center for Health Research. Implementation, Clayton, Australia.

The researchers badyzed data from the extensive Australian Longitudinal Women's Health Study (ALSWH) based on the community. A total of 23,752 women aged 18 to 23 and 34 to 39 years were included in the study.

Of these women, 162 had type 1 diabetes. Researchers found that 24% of women with type 1 diabetes were obese, compared to 16% of women without diabetes. Another notable finding is that one in four women with type 1 diabetes currently smoked, compared to one in six.

Menstrual irregularities were observed in 47% of people with type 1 diabetes, compared with 35% of those without diabetes. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) was observed in 14% of people with diabetes, compared to 5% of those without diabetes.

Women with PCOS produce higher amounts of male-type hormones than normal. This hormonal imbalance makes them forget the rules and makes their pregnancy more difficult. Menstrual irregularity was badociated with an increase in body mbad index (BMI), high blood pressure, smoking and PCOS in this cohort.

In women who have ever had a pregnancy, women with type 1 diabetes experienced significantly more miscarriages (46% versus 33% of those without diabetes) and stillbirths (7% versus 1%). There was no difference in pregnancy rates.

"Despite universal health care and improved management of diabetes, the risk of miscarriages and stillbirth remains high among women with type 1 diabetes. The increase in BMI can play a role in the development of PCOS, menstrual and reproductive problems, and smoking is badociated with an increased risk of menstrual disorders and miscarriages in this cohort, "said co-author, Dr. Helena Teede , MBBS Ph.D. from the Monash Center for Health Research and its Implementation.

"Pre-conception care and counseling for women with type 1 diabetes of childbearing age, including weight management and smoking cessation, are imperative to minimize complications during pregnancy," she said. she added.