Diabetes linked to higher risk of stillbirth in recent study

Women who already live with Diabetes are more than four times likely to suffer from a stillbirth, than those without the condition, claims a recent study from the University of Glasgow. This is not to be confused with Gestational Diabetes, which usually ends when the baby is born. The study consisted of the records of 4000 Scottish diabetic mothers and looked at their high blood sugar levels during their pregnancy.

Statistics from the study:

– A third of stillbirths in Diabetic women happened when their pregnancy was considered full term.

– The Body Mass Index (BMI) of Diabetic women was also a critical factor, which needs to be highlighted more before women plan to become pregnant.

– Mothers with Type 1 Diabetes are three times more likely to deliver a stillborn child, while mothers with Type 2 Diabetes are at least four times more likely.

What do professionals recommend?

Dr Sharon Mackin, who carried out the study, said:

“It is vital that we, as healthcare professionals, find better ways to support women during their fertile ages to optimise weight and blood sugar, so that when entering pregnancy, whether that be planned or unplanned, they are better prepared and their risk of adverse outcomes is reduced.

It is important that women with diabetes are mindful of this, and are able to access appropriate pre-conceptual counselling, even if not imminently planning a pregnancy.

Women with diabetes should also make contact with their diabetes clinic as soon as they get a positive pregnancy test so that we can see and support them early on.”

Dr Mackin believes the question has to be asked about whether earlier delivery of all diabetic pregnancies could prevent these term stillbirths. The optimal timing of delivery in such pregnancies is not clear, as each mother and baby has to be evaluated on their own personal needs.

Dr Emily Burns, head of research communications at Diabetes UK, said:

“Most women with diabetes have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies, but this research reinforces the importance of supporting women to manage their blood glucose levels if they are planning a pregnancy, in order to reduce their risk of complications as much as possible.

“It also suggests that losing extra weight, for women with type 2 diabetes who are overweight, could help to reduce this risk as well.

“We need research to find better ways of predicting who is most at risk of complications during pregnancy, to ensure support can be provided to those who need it most.”

The study concluded that overall, more efforts need to be made to educate diabetic women about their blood glucose levels, before and during their pregnancy. This is the key factor to empower mothers with the knowledge to ensure they can have the healthiest pregnancy possible, and make them confident enough to raise their concerns if they feel something is not quite right. Our Wellbeing Wallets can help with giving women the confidence to make that call. If your hospital does not yet supply them, please direct women in your care to our website where they can be purchased for £2 including p&p within the UK.