Risks of Gestational Diabetes
Researchers explained in a report published in “The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology” that “gestational diabetes can lead to excessive growth of the child, which may contribute to problems at birth as well as a predisposition to obesity and metabolic diseases in early childhood.”
The researchers randomly divided 375 women with gestational diabetes into two groups: a group using Dexcom’s continuous glucose monitoring device, and another group relying on self-monitoring of blood sugar levels via periodic finger pricks.
The results showed that only 4% of women in the continuous glucose monitoring group gave birth to babies with above-average weight, while the percentage was 10% in the finger-prick group.
Moreover, the average birth weight of babies was lower in the group that used continuous glucose monitoring.
The researchers pointed out that this indicates that the children of these women were less likely to experience excessive growth.
Dr. Christian Göbl, the study leader from the University Hospital of the Medical University of Vienna, stated in a statement: “Continuous glucose monitoring via a sensor placed under the skin of patients allows checking blood sugar levels at any time… enabling them to make specific adjustments to their lifestyle or insulin treatment, which can have a positive impact on the course of their pregnancy.”
