Researchers have concluded that the oral diabetes medication metformin is just as safe for babies and their pregnant mothers as using insulin. A study tracked the long-term health of 10,117 children-mother pairs for up to 11 years postpartum. Experts suggest that metformin and insulin can work together to help women with type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes manage blood glucose levels during pregnancy. Metformin has been used during pregnancy for decades and is considered safe for treating type 2 diabetes as insulin. Blood glucose levels during pregnancy play a crucial role in the development and safety of a fetus in utero and on delivery day.
Metformin and insulin have been approved for use during pregnancy for decades, while current GLP-1 medications are not yet authorized for pregnancy use. Metformin is a simpler medication compared to insulin, as it cannot cross the placenta, which poses no direct risk to the fetus. However, research on the long-term effects of children born to women taking metformin has been limited. Past research has only monitored the health of children and mothers for about five years. Insulin administration requires multiple daily injections, careful carbohydrate counting, and frequent adjustments, while being linked to weight gain. Metformin, on the other hand, is taken orally two to three times a day and is less likely to cause weight gain.
Researchers examined data from 10,117 children-mothers pairs to compare health variables in pregnancies involving metformin versus insulin for managing type 2 diabetes. They evaluated outcomes such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, total body fat percentage, belly fat percentage, liver fat percentage, obesity rates, and diabetes rates in both children and mothers. The study found no increase in these factors in children born to mothers taking metformin during pregnancy compared to mothers taking insulin. This study is essential as obesity rates in women are increasing, and it is estimated that one in five women have obesity at the time of becoming pregnant, increasing their risk of developing type 2 diabetes during or after pregnancy.
High blood glucose levels during pregnancy pose risks for both mother and baby, including complications such as preeclampsia, birth defects, jaundice, hypoglycemia, premature birth, and stillbirth. Using metformin during pregnancy has been deemed a valid option according to research. However, determining whether to use metformin, insulin, or a combination of both should be based on various factors beyond the mother’s diabetes diagnosis. Metformin has a less harsh effect on blood glucose levels compared to insulin. It is suggested that starting with metformin may be preferable if a woman has only made lifestyle changes to diet and exercise habits. However, lifestyle changes may not sufficiently lower blood glucose levels for safe pregnancy, and the addition of insulin may be necessary.
Insulin and metformin work differently, with insulin helping cells utilize glucose in the bloodstream, and metformin primarily signaling the liver to produce less glucose and improving cell sensitivity to insulin. Combining these medications can significantly improve blood glucose levels, with metformin especially beneficial during pregnancy for reducing liver glucose release and enhancing overall insulin sensitivity. Women who are already on insulin before conception should not replace it with metformin but may add metformin for additional blood glucose management during pregnancy. Managing diabetes during pregnancy is challenging and requires constant monitoring and adjustment, as each woman’s journey will be different.zczeqncpya0702
