Irish researchers make significant breakthrough in gestational diabetes

Irish researchers have made a significant breakthrough in the safe treatment of gestational diabetes, a condition that affects one in 20 pregnancies in the UK.

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It can happen at any stage of pregnancy, but it is more common in the second or third trimester.

It is less common than type 1 or type 2 diabetes, but prevalence has been increasing. In the UK, it is estimated it affects around one in 20 pregnancies.

Traditionally gestational diabetes is managed initially through dietary advice and exercise, with insulin introduced if necessary.

Research shows insulin use is effective but also associated with some challenges, such as low sugar in both mother and baby, excess weight gain for mothers, and higher C-section birth rates.

A new clinical trial, led by University of Galway, Ireland, has explored the use of a drug called metformin, a medicine used to lower body sugar levels.

The drug has previously been found to be effective when compared with insulin, but some concerns remained, particularly around preterm birth and infant size.

The clinical trial involved more than 500 women, with half receiving the drug and the other half a placebo.

The study found that women assigned the drug were 25 per cent less likely to need insulin, while fast and post-meal sugar values were significantly lower at weeks 32 and 38.

Women receiving metformin gained less weight throughout the trial and there was no evidence of any increase in preterm birth or higher caesarean rate.

There were also no variations in factors like labour induction, caesarean delivery, maternal haemorrhage, infection or blood pressures issues, during or after birth.

“The results from the study are a significant step forward for women with gestational diabetes,” said endocrinologist, Professor Fidelma Dunne.

“Metformin has emerged as an effective alternative for managing gestational diabetes, offering new hope for expectant mothers and healthcare providers worldwide.”