Gestational diabetes can cause serious birth defects, including death, shoulder-impeding delivery, bone fracture, and nerve palsy. However, until recently, it was uncertain whether or not treatment to lower maternal blood sugar levels reduced these defects. A new study, published in the June 16, 2005 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine, was conducted to address these concerns.
Women with signs of gestational diabetes, who were between 24 and 34 weeks of pregnancy were studied. Nearly one-half were randomly selected to receive intensive treatment, including dietary guidance, blood sugar monitoring, and insulin therapy. The rest of the test subjects received routine care.
The findings supported the use of screening and treatment for women at risk for gestational diabetes. Birth defects occurred in 4% of the routine care group versus only 1% of the intervention group. The rates of cesarean sections were similar in the two groups. Three months after delivery, women in the intervention group also had lower rates of postpartum depression and higher scores on quality of life scales.