Neonatal Outcomes in Type 1 Diabetes Pregnant Women, A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations, and obstetric complications including increased rates of cesarean section birth, prematurity, and neonatal adverse outcomes including large for gestational age (LAG), and hypoglycemia. Our aim of this study is to investigate and evaluate the prevalence and the different neonatal outcomes of T1DM pregnant women compared to nondiabetic healthy pregnant women in a single-center experience to improve the effectiveness of interventions for the treatment of pregnant women with T1DM.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of 113 pregnant women (43 pregnant patients with T1DM and 70 non-diabetic healthy pregnant women) who underwent regular follow-in the antenatal period and delivered at King Fahad Military Medical Complex (KMMC) - Dhahran between 2018 and 2023.

Results: A total of 117 pregnant women (47 with Type-1 diabetes mellitus-T1DM and 70 healthy controls) were included in the study. The proportion of elective C-sections was significantly high in women with T1DM 21 (44.7%) and the proportion of neonatal hypoglycemia who need treatment was also significantly high in diabetic women 20 (42.6%). NICU/SCBU admission was significantly high in diabetic women 23 (48.9%).

Conclusion: The high prevalence of neonatal adverse outcomes especially hypoglycemia and intensive care admission of T1DM pregnant women compared to non-diabetic pregnant women indicates that this model of antenatal diabetes care must be improved to enhance maternal and fetal outcomes, especially in such high-risk groups and challenging problems.